Australians want politics done differently, new independent MP Kerryn Phelps says.
The former Australian Medical Association president was officially sworn in as a federal member of parliament on Monday, pushing the coalition into minority government.
In her first speech to parliament, Dr Phelps told the House of Representatives the political system had served the public well in the past.
"But it is one that has evolved to turn inwards and primarily serve itself, at times silencing the voices of reason and compassion," she said.
"People are saying they want politics done differently and if the major parties won't do that, independents have already shown that they will happily fill that space."
Politics should return to the sensible centre, she added.
Australia's newest MP also used her first speech to call for change to immigration policies, saying a "compassionate compromise" is needed.
"Yes, we need strong border protection. But it is not, and must not be, a choice between deaths at sea and indefinite offshore confinement."
Action on climate change is another of Dr Phelps' key policy platforms.
"The people most vulnerable to the effects of climate change will be children, the poor, the sick, the elderly," she told the lower house.
"We have an abundance of raw materials for renewable energy: Sun, wind, and water. What we are running out of is excuses for failing to act."
Dr Phelps will also use her time in parliament to work towards closing the gap felt by indigenous Australians, with a particular focus on health disparity.
"The human experience must be at the heart of the political decisions being made about health policy and health economics," she said.
The Wentworth MP reflected on the feeling of euphoria she felt in the community after Australia voted in favour of same-sex marriage.
"For that brief and magnificent moment in time, it really did feel that we were one as a nation," she said.
"Why can't that be our new normal?"
Dr Phelps was flanked by fellow independents Rebekha Sharkie and Cathy McGowan as she entered the House of Representatives for the first time on Monday morning.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison was absent as Dr Phelps took the oath because he was holding crisis talks with Victorian Liberal MPs to discuss the federal implications of the weekend's state election.
Dr Phelps was declared the winner of the Sydney seat earlier this month after a by-election triggered in the wake of former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull quitting parliament.
