how do you feel about jackie lambie? because right now she looks like the one to make or break the government atm.
There are far worse examples you could cite than JL.
Maybe Brian Harradine would be a better example of how a single member can wield disproportionate power when they can swing the passage of a bill with their vote either way.
Minority govts aren't great when that ever-important vote often rests on one person. But when there are a range of independents, minors and micros in the mix, I'd argue you often end up with more of the electorate having voices that count than a standard 'couple seats' majority with a major party.
The bottom line is, as you've basically said yourself, the majors have to be better representatives to get the vote. They can't use the threat of minority govt as a way to get away with giving a shit performance. It's not the way our democracy is set up to work.