The Cook by-election., page-24

with compulsory voting and preferential voting the chances of an independent getting elected is very low.
I disagree - the chances is not affected by that, as much as the funding of election campaigns. Money makes the key difference.. brand recognition...

Also, the influence of the independant/single issue - thanks to preferential voting - doesn't end with them not getting elected. Their influence can be shown clearly as a poll on election day.

More people are discovering independants, and more independanst are discovering their voices. Making a seat marginal is the best outcome for all constituents, as now the parties have to work REALLY hard.