AUSTRALIA should know early next week which side of politics the three country independents will support.
Speaking on Sky News's The Nation, Tony Windsor - member for New England - said he would be aiming for a Monday decision and did not rule out the three independents splitting different ways in the race for power between Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott.
But a decision was due as early as Monday: "I think we're getting to the pointy end of the bird now."
Rob Oakeshott said he, too, would need the weekend to mull over this week's negotiations.
Bob Katter said he also needed more time, joking his mind was changing "every 15 minutes".
All three outlined their key priorities, with Mr Katter advocating mandated ethanol, criticising the high level of interest rates and the strength of the Australian dollar, which he said was hampering the competitiveness of Australian industry.
Mr Windsor called for further healthcare reform and said stability of government was key for regional Australia.
Mr Oakeshott signalled better tertiary education in rural and regional areas was a key priority. He said he was also enthusiastic about reopening discussions about putting a price on carbon through a market mechanism such as an emissions trading scheme.
All ruled out accepting a position as speaker from either Ms Gillard or Mr Abbott and said they would not take a ministry in a minority government.
The trio will today release a document listing proposed reforms to parliament, including a beefed-up committee system. This would see legislation debated by a parliamentary committee before being introduced into the house.
Mr Katter said discussions had also been held on how to avoid an early return to the polls. He conceded the decision to call an election ultimately did not rest with the independents. He confirmed he had had dinner in Canberra with dumped Labor prime minister Kevin Rudd earlier this week, and praised his legacy in fighting for the National Broadband Network and a nationwide electricity grid. However, he said that Labor was "going to get slaughtered in the election" over the proposed mining tax.
The three independents also spoke about the costings released on Wednesday night and the Coalition's $7 billion blowout, saying it was not a deal-breaker but did raise various concerns. "I was surprised with the figure when I saw it," Mr Oakeshott said.
Mr Windsor said he "didn't trust" either Labor of the Coalition on budget measures.
