Her father was a force in Australian politics, founding the Australian Democrats and famously promising to "keep the bastards honest".

Now Don Chipp's daughter, Laura, is hoping to launch her own political career as a Reason party-endorsed candidate in the Northcote state by-election next month.

Fiona Patten (right) and Reason Party (former Sex Party) candidate for Northcote Laura Chipp. Credit:Luis Ascui

She hopes to rise above the adversarial din that colours much of modern politics and present voters with a genuine alternative.

"I think we've got a good chance," Ms Chipp said. "We're not a protest vote as an activist party. We're a vote to work with the government of the day to make sure there is compassion and reason in politics."