Dr Di Natale's comment goes against
historical facts.

The journalist Ben Eltham sums things up
rather well:

"Bernardi will make much of his rugged individualism.
Conservatives often like to see themselves as
lone rangers, astride a horse on the great plains
of history. But the price of individualism is
isolation. Bernardi is about to find out just how
lonely a party of one can be."

Eltham argues that:

"Even if there is a big potential voter base on the
extreme right of politics as Bernardi seems to
believe, this territory is crowded and contested -
One Nation, the Liberal Democrats, Family First,
Citizens Electoral Council, Katter's Australia Party,
Shooters, fishers and Farmers - are all jockeying for
position in this space."

"The last century of Australian democracy is littered with
the wreckage of failed break-ups. Many parties split.
Some splinter groups prosper, but few last."

In the end the two major parties have successfully
defeated or re-absorbed the challengers.

Runner, it's 45 outside, and I haven't turned the air con on yet, just a fan, though admittedly I'm taking it easy today and staying inside, using few electrical appliances which add heat to the house. (It's a good excuse to laze back with a book and the mobile phone).
Why? I live in an old house, built for the climate. Keeps my electricity usage and bill really low. So while we need to fix the power supply, it would help if we went back to building energy efficient houses.

JB
It seems the fact of gas not being turned on was Wetherill's defence which he did come out with. Just answering the comment that it's the windpower's fault.

Pricing is a different fish, none of my business. Money gouging can be done in any set-up , maybe Auspost owns electricity who knows?

Green Senator di Nasty calling anyone at all an extremist! Now, that's rich!

Ben Eltham is so inner city media: superficial, predictable and hip. Smug. Sneering. Echo chamber.

Cory Bernadi's Press Club address back in 2014. He is a commitment politician.

"...I’m not criticising existing or previous long-term serving senators. They’re an inspiration, they’ve done an extraordinary job. I’m just looking to the future to think how can we refresh and renew people’s faith in the role of our parliamentarians.

So in conclusion, today I do want to make an announcement. I want to make an announcement that I want to form a movement; a movement within Australian politics, if you will. A movement to try and regain some of that trust that has been lost.

The ideas I’ve outlined here today are simply that: ideas.

It’s not about my conservative views.

It’s not about the left, it’s not about the right, it’s about doing what I think is right.

It’s about opening up a conversation within the beltway to reflect the views from outside the beltway; discussing ideas that will help restore our faith in the political system, our parliament, our MPs and our political parties.

Indeed, I’m accustomed to this: I may end up being the only member of this movement.

But I would say all it takes is one person.

I do not deign to compare myself with that famous ‘Modest Member’, Bert Kelly; he was modest after all.

I want to use him as an example of what can be achieved when one person stands against the accepted dogmas of the time.

Kelly stood alone in the opposition to protectionism in the ’60s and ’70s.
..

But in an environment where people crave honesty from their representatives, on many occasions I have proven that I am willing to put principles above politics and conviction above convenience.

Disillusionment with politics is growing; results overseas and even our own elections are reflecting that.."

http://www.corybernardi.com/national_press_club_address

As a single Senator essentially representing himself
Bernardi joins fellow Senator crossbenches like
David Leyonhjelm, Derryn Hinch, Jacqui Lambie as
solo operators in the upper house. He's an
experienced legislator and could have a significant
influence on government bills. However beyond that
he will need to cut deals and make alliances,
activities for which he has so far showed little
inclination.

As I stated earlier.
Interesting times ahead.

Is Bernardi an extremist?
I guess we should ask Tony Abbott.