Let's turn this seat marginal: Oakeshott

Former independent MP Rob Oakeshott, who helped form the minority Gillard government, has opened up about his decision to re-enter politics.

Mr Oakeshott says his last-minute entry into the election race was because both sides had ignored the mid-north coast of NSW in the first half of the campaign and he bets "his bottom dollar" his announcement will see the major parties do more for the region.

"If we can make it a marginal seat, we can get a lot of projects done in the local area," he told the Seven Network.

Mr Oakeshott said the chaos in parliament was another factor in his decision to run for the seat of Cowper.

He argues the double dissolution election is a sign the people in parliament couldn't work together.

"If everything was going swimmingly, you wouldn't see me for dust," he said.