Teal Independents Explore Formal Party Structure
No final decision has been made, with several key independents publicly ruling out joining any new party.
The Talks
A group of Australian independent MPs, commonly known as "teals," have been in discussions about forming a formal political party. The talks, reportedly led by Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall, have been ongoing for months.
Multiple sources confirm that no final decision has been reached, and several prominent crossbench members have stated they will not participate.
Where the MPs Stand
Discussion regarding a potential party structure reveals varying levels of interest and commitment among the crossbench:
Zali Steggall (MP for Warringah) confirmed she is "open" to discussions about evolving the community independent movement. She cited changes to political donation laws and the rise of One Nation as motivating factors. "Any structure must keep communities and independence at the heart of everything we do," she stated.
Allegra Spender (MP for Wentworth) acknowledged the discussions, noting the challenges but also the public desire for local representation and accountability.
David Pocock (Senator for ACT) expressed openness, saying there are "plenty of conversations going on" driven by frustration with the political system and One Nation's influence.
Monique Ryan (MP for Kooyong) has made a commitment to remain a "community independent" for both the 2022 and 2025 elections and has ruled out joining a party at this time.
Kate Chaney (MP for Curtin) confirmed she will continue as an independent but expressed interest in collaborating on policy.
Helen Haines (MP for Indi) ruled out joining any new party outright, stating it is "not for her."
Sophie Scamps (MP for Mackellar) did not rule out joining but stated she would consult her community before making a decision.
Other independents—Andrew Gee, Rebekha Sharkie, and Bob Katter—have also ruled out joining a new party.
Malcolm Turnbull's Perspective
Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stated there is a "vacuum" for an alternative centrist party in Australian politics. He attributed this to the Liberal Party's shift away from the political center and its attempt to court One Nation voters.
"The teals would be obvious people to form such a party, but it is up to them."
Turnbull confirmed he has had conversations with MPs Spender and Steggall but denied being involved in any plans to establish a new organization.
Key Motivations
Two primary factors are driving the discussions:
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Changes to Electoral Laws: Reforms to political donations and spending caps, effective from January 2027, are reported to favor established major parties. Under the new rules:
- A formal party would face a national spending cap of approximately $90 million across all 150 electorates.
- Individual independents face a cap of $800,000.
- A party structure could also allow candidates to contest the Senate.
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Rise of One Nation: Sources report concerns over increasing poll numbers for the One Nation party, with one poll suggesting it could win a significant number of seats.
Reactions from Other Politicians
Jane Hume (Liberal Deputy Leader) called the speculation the "worst-kept secret" and argued the teals have already functioned as a party, voting with Labor and the Greens approximately 70% of the time.
Angus Taylor (Opposition Leader) dismissed the threat, stating the independents already "act like a political party."
Mark Butler (Health Minister) described the speculation as not surprising given the "flux in the non-Labor parts of politics" and said it is "a matter for them."
Tim Wilson (Liberal MP) ridiculed the idea, saying no one takes it seriously.
Background
The "teal" independents are a group of crossbench MPs elected in the 2022 federal election, often by defeating moderate Liberal members in traditionally safe Liberal seats. Many were supported by the Climate 200 crowdfunding vehicle and share similar policy positions on issues such as the environment and integrity. The group is not a formal party.