Palm tree, laptop and ostrich — just a few of the smaller parties who hope to turn their grassroots organising into movements for change.

Historically, it is their role as a pressure group where they have been most effective, but these parties can help shape legislation, and hence, impact government policy.

The growing influence of smaller political parties can be seen in the movements, protests, campaigns and the odd spectacle that catches the eye and gets reported in the media. Yet many parties will contest the elections this month for the first time, and some believe they have a serious fighting chance.

From education to economic reform, here's how a few parties are turning away from old mainstream parties and coming into their own this election.

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