Independent senator Nick Xenophon has ruled out doing preference deals with the Labor party in South Australia.
Speculation has emerged the Nick Xenophon Team is planning to swap preferences with Labor to oust Liberal MP Matt Williams from the ultra-marginal seat of Hindmarsh.
"There's no back room deal or front room deal or any deal with the Labor party in terms of preferences, particularly in relation to the seat of Hindmarsh," Senator Xenophon told reporters on Thursday.
He also denied doing a deal with Labor in Jamie Briggs' Adelaide Hills seat of Mayo but said "if the Labor Party wants to preference Jamie Briggs ... I would find that astounding".
"You'd find the Labor Party vote would collapse in that seat and more of those people would vote for [NXT candidate] Rebekha Sharkie," Senator Xenophon said.
Industry Minister Christopher Pyne earlier accused the senator of "doing deals in smoke-filled rooms with 'Godfathers' like Don Farrell".
But Senator Xenophon said the party would likely allow voters to allocate their own preferences by running an open ticket.
"We are a party of the political centre. It makes sense to have an open ticket," he said.
In the 2013 election, Senator Xenophon's ticket claimed 24.9 per cent of the SA Senate vote, just short of the second quota required to elect running mate Stirling Griff after preferences.
Up to four Senate spots could fall his way if he can replicate that success at the July 2 election.
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