Another independent candidate has entered the race for the seat of Calare, marking the first time three independents have vied for the seat since 2010.
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Robert O'Donovan is will be running against independents Kate Hook and Andrew Gee.
While the latest candidate admits competition will be tough, he said it's "good for democracy" to have multiple independents running for the seat.
"It gives a variety of views and gives a chance to certain social groups which are not heavily represented to be represented," Mr O'Donovan said.
"The more the better."
He also added the present member independent Andrew Gee was "too aligned" with the coalition.
"I have an independent frame of mind, and I'm not stuck down in party values," Mr O'Donovan said.
In 2010 election three independents Paul Blanch, Karen Romano and Macgregor Ross ran for the seat.
The 72-year-old previously lived in Sydney, the Central Coast and regional Tasmania working as a high school teacher, teaching mathematics and information technology.
He moved to Orange six years ago and currently lives in a retirement village. He was previously a member of the Australian Labor Party, but felt the party was prioritising the middle class and neglecting lower working class Australia.
"I want to help the poor and the needy because I feel they've been neglected by the present government," Mr O'Donovan said.
"I think the lower working class and those on fixed incomes are not being well represented."
Mr O'Donovan said he's connected with the community while living in Orange and has listened to some of the struggles of low income earners and wanted to run "to make people aware" of these struggles.
"I want a good life for the people of Calare ... and the fact is the poor and the needy are being left behind," he said.
Robert's policies
Mr O'Donovan's main policies include increasing the pension to an extra $80 a fortnight, and an increase in unemployment benefits and minimum wage.
"I found that each year the amount of discretionary income was diminishing as rents and other expenses were going up," he said,
"Prices are going ahead of wages, and the people on the fixed income are being left behind."
The newest independent also supports renewable energy and the 2050 zero emissions target, and is against Peter Dutton's nuclear plan, which has been predicted to cost $600 billion by the Smart Energy Council.
"It's expensive, outdated technology and will inevitably lead to higher energy prices for the community," Mr O'Donovan said.
"Whereas we know the cost of renewables and solar, wind and wave power - it's something we can afford because it's going to bring a lot of jobs to the community, and it's going to be exciting.
"It means we're going to have a lot of renewable energy at a low cost to the community."
Additionally, Mr O'Donovan said upgrades to the Great Western Highway are "well over due" and is very supportive of building a tunnel through the Blue Mountains.
"The tunnel would mean all weather access to the Central West and wouldn't be dependent on snow and ice blocking the access, I think it's a good thing, and I hope that the government comes through with it," he said.
