Re-elected independent senator Nick Xenophon says bizarre preference flows could send a member of the Motoring Enthusiasts Party to Canberra on a small number of votes but exclude his running mate with almost a full quota.
Senator Xenophon said he outpolled Labor, although not the coalition, by gaining 1.8 Senate quotas in the South Australian Senate race.
But his running mate Stirling Griff will miss out on a seat because of Labor's "bizarre or even spiteful" preferencing of the Liberals, he said.
In South Australia, it seemed there would be two Liberal Senators, one Labor, himself, a Green and a member of Family First, he said.
Nationally, businessman Clive Palmer's Palmer United Party could have one or two Senate seats, while in Victoria the Motoring Enthusiast Party might well gain a seat, according to Senator Xenophon's analysis of the numbers.
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"It happens because of the way preference flows work. There is harvesting of preferences. I don't get any advantage from anyone. I had to win basically two full quotas in order for my running mate to get up," he told ABC television.
Senator Xenophon said there needed to be a national conversation on the lack of transparency over preference deals.
In South Australia the Greens preferenced climate sceptics ahead of Mr Griff, who believes in climate change, he said.
He would work with anyone to advance the national interest and his state, Senator Xenophon said.
Mr Xenophon he would resist any coalition plans to cut $500 million from the automotive transformation fund and any move to reduce Murray River flows into South Australia.
"A quarter of a million South Australians have trusted me with their vote in the Senate because they want someone to fiercely advocate for the state," he said.
