During climate activist Zali Steggall’s successful bid to topple the former Prime Minister Tony Abbott at the last federal election, she apostatised that Australia ‘can’t let coal companies and lobbyists buy their way into our government’.

Until now, the ‘Independent’ member for the federal seat of Warringah has acted on her election promises with unsuccessful bills aimed at adopting extreme climate action plans and also the introduction of a federal anti-corruption body.

In a twist of great irony, Ms Steggall has come under fire for failing to declare that she received a $100,000 kicker from billionaire oil baron John Kinghorn at the last federal election. Mr Kinghorn was by far the largest donor to the war chest she spent on toppling former Prime Minister Tony Abbott.

It cleared Electoral Commission scrutiny as the donation was made in multiple smaller portions by different members of the Kinghorn Family Trust so that the donors would fall under the threshold of anonymity.

So rather than fighting fossil fuel companies and creating a corruption watchdog as the member for Warringah as she has so consistently advocated, Zali Steggall has instead been the beneficiary of $100,000. It seems Ms Steggall’s advocacy for a corruption watchdog could not come at a more appropriate time.

In her parliamentary career to-date, Zali has so far advocated for just two issues – climate and integrity. Any credibility she had on both is now left flapping in the breeze. Less outwardly preachy Premiers and MPs elsewhere have resigned in disgrace over failing to disclose donations which are a fraction of the sum paid by Mr Kinghorn to Zali’s campaign. Nevertheless, while the scandal may de-legitimise and embarrass Steggall and her climate backers in the short term, the influence of her supporters is only growing.

There is every chance in the world that independent members of parliament will hold the balance of power following the upcoming federal election. The emergence of Voice 4 groups and the climate-candidate funding group Climate200 will ensure that many independent candidates have a real shot at winning power in traditionally Liberal seats.

Climate200 founder and spokesperson Simon Holmes à Court uses his group to funnel donations from major sponsors into the campaigns of climate activist candidates who aim to mimic the success of Ms Steggall in their own Federal Divisions.

Those who donate to Climate200 are not subject to the same scrutiny as those who donate directly to political parties. Has Holmes à Court identified a loophole in the system? One where he enjoys the luxury of significant influence over policy, politicians, and the national debate, without the scrutiny normally afforded to politicians and political parties?

In the leafy Eastern Suburbs seat of Wentworth, Allegra Spender has the blessing of Holmes à Court and the funding of Climate200.

Spender is winning the hearts and minds of the wealthy Wentworth residents, many of whom are Dom-Pérignon socialists suffering from Liberal-guilt. Considering the slim margin at which he holds the seat, she is giving Liberal MP Dave Sharma a run for his money with the backing of Climate200 and the blessing of Holmes à Court.

If either major party falls short of a majority, we could see Simon Holmes à Court become another kind of Rob Oakeshott. Will Australians decide which party makes government at the upcoming election? Or will Simon Holmes à Court use his funds to bankroll enough independents onto the crossbench to establish his dynasty as ultimate Kingmaker?