Teals talk of forming a party amid campaign funding changes and One Nation’s rising popularity
The prospect of starting a party has exposed tensions within the teal movement, with some independents confirming discussions about closer coordination, while others remain reluctant to undermine the community-backed identity that helped propel them into parliament.
Confirming the discussions, Independent MP Zali Steggall has said “voters are looking for alternative solutions” and criticised the Liberal and Labor parties for failing to listen to communities or for having caucuses with “no ability to speak outside of the party room”.
Standing alongside Steggall, Independent MP Allegra Spender added: “Some different options need to be on the table, whether it’s evolution, whether it’s a party, whether it’s just working together differently.”
“This is a live discussion … if there’s appetite, it will grow, if it’s not, it won’t,” she said.
Experts say growing political fragmentation and the rise of minor parties such as One Nation may be creating space for a coordinated centrist movement made up of teal and other independents.
Some independents have already ruled themselves out, including those who don’t identify as teals — a group broadly associated with conservative economic views and more progressive positions on social issues and climate.
The prospect of a formal teal political party was also quickly played down by major parties, with Opposition leader Angus Taylor telling reporters the “teals have already acted like a party for years”.
This speculation comes after Labor and the Coalition backed major changes to Australia’s electoral funding laws, which would limit how much candidates can spend during campaigns.
Under the reforms, due to start early next year, independents will face strict spending limits within their own electorates, while major parties would still be able to pour money into broader national campaigns.
Read more: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/teal-independents-electoral-funding-laws/wosb2esy8
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