Further, the Post has compiled a brief synopsis of each party standing candidates for the Senate in 2016. The synopsis is a short explainer as to the party's premier policies or values. We've also extracted the employment status of each Independent candidate, as advised by the AEC.

The list is alphabetically arranged by party name and Independent surname.

Animal Justice Party: end live animal export trade, increase the production of plant-based food, oppose brumbies culling

Antipaedophile Party: seek to bring about legislative change that will make children safe from all forms of abuse, especially sexual abuse

The Arts Party: crowd-funded, encouraging a more creative, cultural, educated and prosperous life

David Ash, Independent, barrister at law

Australian Cyclists Party: single-issue on cycling related policies to affect human, environmental and economic health

Australian Liberty Alliance: individual liberty, small government, Western (Christian) values, an integrated multi-ethnic society with one set of laws for all

Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party: formed in response to moves by state governments to toughen anti-hooning and vehicle impoundment legislation

Australian Progressives: "the advancement of an empathetic society . . . through laws, services and infrastructure rather than . . . the free market" 

Australian Sex Party: formed in response to "increasingly draconian censorship laws and escalating Government encroachment on adult civil liberties"

Leonard Brown, Independent, disability support pensioner

Nick Chapman, Independent, consultant

Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group): socially conservative, supports Christian representation/values in every level of government

Citizens Electoral Council: "peace through economic development"

John Cooper, Independent, business improvement advisor 

Country Minded: "an uncompromised voice for rural and regional Australia . . . founded for farming families and all who rely on their viability"

Democratic Labour Party: a labour tradition that espouses social conservatism and opposes neo-liberalism

Derryn Hinch's Justice Party: justice in sentencing, reform in bail, parole and domestic violence law, public register of sex offenders

Drug Law Reform: "problematic drug use is a health concern . . . criminalising drug users causes more harm than good"

Family First: mainstream conservative Christian values across social institutions

Flux - Upgrade Democracy: empowering people in government decisions directly through technology

Peter Gooley, Independent, Alzheimer's/Dementia coach 

The Greens: a focus on conservation and responsible environmental management, alongside economic and social justice

Warren Grzic, Independent, accounts processing officer

Health Australia Party: improving health and wellness of Australians holistically

Jacqui Lambie Network: the right to a conscience vote on all moral and ethical matters, advocating primarily for veterans affairs

Katter's Australian Party: against the sale and privatisation of assets paid for and owned by the people of Australia; for the restoration of personal freedoms eroded by over-regulation

Labor: modern social democratic party "of opportunity and security for working people"

Bryan Lambert, Independent, project officer

Liberals: centre-right promoting economic liberalism and social conservatism

Liberal Democrats: individual liberty, free markets and small government

Danny Lim, Independent, pensioner

Marijuana (HEMP) Party: integrate the whole plant into everyday life for medicine, food security, the environment and social harmony

Mature Australia: effective and equitable representation for older Australians; acting for decades ahead, not just planning for the next election cycle

Non-Custodial Parents Party: specific interest in family law and child support issues

Peter Muller, Independent, dental prosthetist

Stephen Muller, Independent, producer

Liam Munday, Independent, diver

The Nationals: traditionally representing graziers, farmers and rural voters in a centre-right coalition with the Liberal Party

Nick Xenophon Team: core focus on "predatory gambling", Australian made and Australian jobs, government and corporate accountability

Online Direct Democracy: utilise the internet to enable the population, where practicable, to vote on every Bill put to Parliament

Palmer United Party: policies include an emissions trading scheme, free trade and closer economic relations with Asia, Decentralisation and regional self-government

Pauline Hanson's One Nation: strongly nationalist and conservative platform; "criticism is not racism"

Pirate Party Australia: basic income as welfare, free internet, digital privacy and rights

Renewable Energy Party: net zero emissions to limit global warming, policies informed by best available scientific information and research

Ron Poulsen: Independent, factory worker 

Rise Up Australia Party: "Keep Australia Australian"; against multiculturalism and the Islamisation of the West

Joanna Rzetelski, Independent, manager

Science Party: technophiles who aim to make Australia an advanced, technologically superior country 

Secular Party of Australia: "an end to religious interference in education, health, civil liberties and taxation; champions of human rights; socially and economically liberal"

Seniors United Party of Australia: economic, social, political and fundamental rights of the aged

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers: actively supports recreational and rural activities, farming, mining, forestry; opposes "extreme Green policies"

Santa Spruce-Peet-Boyd, Independent, artist/prophet

Sustainable Australia: "a centrist community movement committed to a prosperous, inclusive, democratic and sustainable Australia"

Nigel James Smith, Independent, grazier

Socialist Alliance: a democratic society run by and for working people; "people and the planet before profit"

Socialist Equality Party: "a just society, based on social equality and the right of all people to a decent and productive life"

Teresa Van Lieshout and Colin Bennett: Duo campaigning on economics, education and sociological issues affecting Australians

Richelle Girado Tsay, Independent, carer

Veterans Party: policies across education, health, taxation, immigration, national security as well as returned servicemen and women

Voluntary Euthanasia Party: dying with dignity, either medically or self administered, should be a basic human right for the terminally ill

Peter Wallace, Independent, business owner

Jane Ward, Independent, counsellor/teacher

James Wright, Independent, producer/project manager