Teal independents discuss forming a new political party amid Liberal shift and One Nation rise
Consensus Summary
Multiple news outlets are reporting that teal independents, led by Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender, are in discussions about forming a new political party to fill the centrist void left by the Liberal Party’s shift to the right and counter the rise of One Nation. The potential party aims to address frustrations with major parties, including changes to electoral donation laws that disadvantage independents. While some teal MPs, like David Pocock, have shown openness to the idea, others such as Monique Ryan and Kate Chaney have ruled it out, emphasizing their commitment to remaining independents. Former Liberal prime minister Malcolm Turnbull has been involved in discussions and described the teals as the 'obvious' choice for a centrist alternative, though he denies setting up the party himself. Moderate Liberals, including Tim Wilson and Jane Hume, have dismissed the idea, calling it unserious and suggesting the teals already act like a party. The formation of a teal party could provide greater campaign funding and influence but faces challenges, including the need to attract broader support beyond their current base and avoid losing their independent brand. Polls suggest One Nation could become a major political force, adding urgency to the teals’ discussions about how to evolve their movement.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have confirmed they are open to forming a new political party, with discussions ongoing among teal independents.
- The potential party aims to fill a 'vacuum' left by the Liberal Party’s shift to the right and counter the rise of One Nation, which could win up to 59 seats in a Redbridge poll.
- Malcolm Turnbull has been in discussions with teal MPs about forming a centrist alternative and described them as the 'obvious' choice to fill the political void.
- Changes to electoral donation and campaign spending laws, which cap donations to individual MPs and favor major parties, have been cited as a factor in discussions about forming a party.
- David Pocock, an independent senator, has indicated openness to a party arrangement, though he plans to contest the next election as an independent.
- Moderate Liberal MPs, including Tim Wilson and Jane Hume, have dismissed the idea of joining a teal party, with Wilson calling it 'not serious' and Hume saying it would be 'like changing football teams'.
- Some teal independents, including Monique Ryan, Kate Chaney, and Helen Haines, have ruled out joining a new party, emphasizing their commitment to remaining independents.
- The teal independents have been funded by Climate 200, which has been criticized for making them appear like a quasi-party, and the new donation laws could limit their fundraising.
- Tony Abbott’s appointment as Liberal Party president has been criticized by Steggall, who called it a sign the party has 'learned nothing' and is embracing divisive culture wars.
- A formal party structure would allow teal MPs to access a national campaign budget of up to $90 million, compared to a $800,000 cap for independents in a single seat.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Zali Steggall described the donation laws as 'rigged' towards major parties and said they forced her to reconsider the disadvantages of being an independent.
- Former Liberal staffer Hannah March expressed concern about One Nation becoming the main opposition and called for a 'fresh, clear vision' to move Australia forward.
- The Guardian reported that a small group of former Liberal members participated in a Zoom call with independents earlier this year, but no progress was made.
- A Redbridge poll suggested One Nation could win as many as 59 seats in the lower house if an election were held today.
- Angus Taylor dismissed the teal party idea, saying the independents 'already act like a political party' and the Coalition is the only group fighting Labor daily.
- Mark Butler acknowledged the teal party speculation was 'not a surprise' due to the 'flux' in non-Labor politics.
- Sources close to the deliberations said the teal party could be announced within weeks, with Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall leading the push.
- The party’s formation has been hastened by David Pocock’s appearance on ABC’s Insiders, where he left the door open to a party being formed.
- The teals have unseated nine Liberals in heartland seats, and the party could target middle suburban seats like Menzies and Bennelong.
- The SMH reported that the teal independents have been planning the party’s formation for months, with extensive polling and focus group research conducted.
- The party would benefit from skirting around campaign finance reforms, which allow formal parties to spend more than independents.
- Zali Steggall cited frustration with Labor’s inability to pass reforms like tax on gas exports and truth in political advertising as a driver for change.
- The article emphasized the rise of far-right politics and One Nation as a key concern for Australians.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- The Guardian and ABC report that moderate Liberals have been approached to join the teal party, but Tim Wilson and Jane Hume explicitly deny any such discussions or interest.
- The Guardian and The Age suggest the teal party could be announced within weeks, while other sources like ABC and Newscomau indicate the discussions are still in early stages with no firm timeline.
- The Guardian states that former Liberal members participated in a Zoom call with independents earlier this year, but this detail is not mentioned in any other source.
- The Age and Guardian report that David Pocock was approached to join the party, but Pocock himself has only indicated openness to further discussions without committing to joining.
- Some sources like The Age and Guardian suggest the teal party could attract moderate Liberals, while others like ABC and Newscomau emphasize that moderate Liberals have dismissed the idea.
Source Articles
Australia politics live: Zali Steggall confirms teals having ‘conversations’ amid speculation about new political party
Zali Steggall says teals want to ‘be more effective in holding government to account’. Follow today’s news live Were the teal party conversations sparked by the government’s electoral reforms? Yes and no, Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall say. There are many things that favour major party structures, and again, the public was incredibly cynical about that move, that it’s yet again major parties trying to rig the game for their benefit. I have had conversations over a period of time about how pol
Turnbull says independent party could fill 'vacuum' in Australian politics
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Live: Steggall confirms talks underway for teals to form new political party
Independent MP Zali Steggall says she is open to the teals forming their own political party but declines to say how far talks have progressed. Follow live.
Teals in advanced talks to form new political party
Secret deliberations to launch the party within weeks have come to light after senator David Pocock shared his involvement in discussions on Sunday.
Turnbull says party of independents could fill 'vacuum' in politics
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