Federal Independent MP Rob Oakeshott says he couldn't take a position in the Gillard ministry because it would have caused problems for the regional package he negotiated.
Mr Oakeshott told reporters in Canberra he had spoken with Prime Minister Julia Gillard telling her he would not be joining the front bench.
"I think there are some organisations still in Parliament that may want me to bring the package down via me," he said.
"I am genuine that this package is important."
"I'm hoping that it can be brought home by someone with potentially less thorns on them at the moment than me," said Mr Oakeshott.
Despite his decision, Mr Oakeshott said he was not opposed to the idea of an independent becoming a minister.
"I have a very strong view that independent MPs have an important role to play, not only on the floor of the parliament but also where, possible (in) the executive," he said.
"No one political party should own any level of that."
Mr Oakeshott denied newspaper reports that when he was a New South Wales MP he approached then Premier Morris Iemma asking for a cabinet position.
"I don't have any recollection of any conversation," Mr Oakeshott said.
"If I wanted to be a minister, I would have stayed in the National Party, I was a shadow minister."