Keep the bastards honest: Peter Mailler to run for Australian Democrats

That's the motto of the Australian Democrats, and it's one the party's lead NSW senate candidate, Peter Mailler, plans to stick to.

The Boggabilla farmer previously led the rural-focused CountryMinded, however the party was de-registered in 2018. It has since merged with the Australian Democrats, which can lay claim to being one of the most successful minor parties in Australian history.

"They reached out, and said they'd been watching us, and liked what we were doing," Mr Mailler said.

"We're very closely aligned in terms of our goals.

"Obviously CountryMinded was very rural focused, while they had more of an urban focus. We came together in a way that maintained the integrity of our rural focus and adds depth to them."

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Mr Mailler said there was a clear concern around the "lack of political integrity, and the lack of honest rhetoric".

"Parties are self absorbed and focused on winning a vote, rather than governing with integrity," he said.

"Everyone is struggling with disillusionment in politics, regardless of where they live.

"If we have no honesty, we have no hope for good solutions."

Mr Mailler said while the party had a brand and a history, it did not have huge resources.

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"We'll be focused on our integrity and to do it well this time, and better next time," he said.

"If a Steve Bradbury moment comes along and we're victorious, we'll make the most of the opportunity.

"Politics and democracy is about participation. If you're there complaining, you've got to be prepared to step up, so that's what we are doing.

"You can sit at home and have a whinge, or you can have a crack."

It's been more than decade since the Australian Democrats have held a seat in the Senate. However, the party was consistently represented during the previous three decades, often holding the balance of power.

It's not Mr Mailler's first foray in to politics, having previously stood for CountryMinded at the 2017 by-election.