Two prominent independents say they won't do deals to form a minority government if the federal election delivers a hung parliament.
The comments from Tony Windsor and Cathy McGowan came as Malcolm Turnbull again raised fears of a Labor-Greens alliance putting at risk Australia's borders and undermining jobs through a deal on penalty rates.
The prime minister used a campaign visit to Darwin on Tuesday to talk up the government's record on stopping people-smuggling.
He said Labor under Kevin Rudd had talked tough but buckled under pressure from within the ALP and the Greens, leading to 50,000 unauthorised arrivals and at least 1200 deaths at sea.
Mr Turnbull also sought to put pressure on Labor as the Fair Work Commission examines penalty rates for the retail and hospitality industries.
The Greens have called for laws to protect penalty rates, but Labor has joined with the government in saying it would respect the independent umpire.
Speaking in Adelaide, Labor leader Bill Shorten expressed frustration with Mr Turnbull's "dishonest" campaign about his party and the Greens, rejecting any deals in government.
"There is no truth to any aspect or any detail of what he's saying ... he ought to stop and he ought to stop now," Mr Shorten said.
The major parties would have to secure a commitment to support budget "supply" and confidence from a minor party or independents in order to govern in the 150-seat parliament if neither of them have 76 MPs.
Independent Tony Windsor, who is taking on Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce in the NSW seat of New England, said he would not sign a written deal as he had done in 2010 with Julia Gillard.
"If there was another hung parliament ... I wouldn't be signing any document with any side, I would remain independent," he said.
Cathy McGowan, who is seeking re-election as an independent in the Victorian seat of Indi, said she would not enter into any agreements.
"I'm not going to sell my vote and lose my ability to vote on issues as they impact on my community," she told ABC radio.
Another independent Bob Katter, who is recontesting the Queensland seat of Kennedy, said he would put his 20-point plan to both major parties as he did in 2010.
An average of the latest polls puts Labor on 50.4 per cent of the two-party vote.
