Anthony Albanese couldn’t sell a schooner to a shearer. He needs to ask ‘what would Xenophon do?’ | Hugh Riminton

Nick Xenophon rose from nowhere, a simple, solid citizen dismayed by the growth of pokie machines, who decided to run as an independent for the South Australian upper house.

By 2013 , he attracted a higher Senate primary vote in SA than the Labor party .

Xenophon taught himself to express, in simple language and very few words, the core of almost every issue.

For those listening, it is as if the policy is the end point, not the people. Xenophon ’s advice? “Wherever your backbone has gone, just find it. Replace the shiver with a real spine.” Bang. - Hugh Riminton is national affairs editor at Channel 10 .