Zali Steggall, the independent MP for Warringah, has stated that current funding rules disadvantaging independents and impending changes to donation laws are factors favoring the formation of a political party by the so-called “teal” independents. However, several fellow crossbench MPs have already ruled out such a move.
Discussions Among Crossbenchers
Sources close to crossbench MPs indicate that discussions about forming an alliance of independent politicians have been ongoing for months, but there is no consensus—even among the more closely aligned inner-city members referred to as teals—about such a plan. Guardian Australia understands that Steggall has been among the most active in these discussions, while others remain unconvinced.
Reactions from Key Independents
Monique Ryan, the MP for Kooyong, issued a statement on Monday noting her commitment to remaining independent for the 2022 and 2025 elections. Helen Haines, a rural independent, has completely ruled out joining any party. Kate Chaney, the MP for Curtin, also confirmed she would continue as an independent, stating, “I am interested in working more collaboratively with other crossbenchers on policy… but right now I do not think that requires me to be a member of a political party.”
Steggall’s Rationale
Steggall cited the rise of One Nation and looming changes to political donation laws as key factors driving the conversations. She told Radio National, “Spending caps, donation caps. 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.”
Potential Broader Appeal
There have been rumors that such a party could seek to attract former Liberal members unhappy with the party’s shift to the right. Former Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who has maintained a friendly stance toward the independent movement, said he had talked to crossbenchers about a party structure in the past but is not involved in current plans. He noted, “I think there is a vacuum for an alternative centre party. The teals would be obvious people to be part of that… But whether they actually decide to do so is up to them.”
Background on the Community Independent Movement
The “community independent” movement has seen a number of new crossbenchers enter parliament in recent elections, many with a focus on environment and integrity issues, running in seats held by Liberal members with backing from the Climate 200 fundraising movement. Steggall first won her seat in 2019 by ousting former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, followed by the election of Ryan, Sophie Scamps, Allegra Spender, Kate Chaney, Nicolette Boele, and ACT Senator David Pocock in subsequent elections. While often referred to as teals, they are not a formal party, though they often advocate for similar policies and vote in similar patterns.
Impact of Donation Laws
Climate 200 has complained that Labor’s new political donation laws, effective January 2027, would make it harder for the community independent model to function by placing caps on spending in a single seat and contributions from a single donor. Former Climate 200-backed independent Zoe Daniel and former Senator Rex Patrick launched a High Court challenge to the laws last year, arguing they would hurt independent campaigns against incumbents. Some have suggested that under the new model, independents could benefit from establishing a party structure, which would also provide access to extra taxpayer-funded staff—a benefit currently enjoyed by Labor, Liberals, Nationals, and Greens.
Mixed Reactions
Pocock indicated openness to a party arrangement on Sunday, telling ABC’s Insiders, “There’s plenty of conversations going on all the time.” Ryan said she had worked “closely and collaboratively” with fellow crossbenchers and would continue as a “community independent,” but did not rule out supporting a party move in the future. Haines, who is less often labeled as a teal, ruled out any such alliance, stating, “Let a thousand blossoms bloom; if people want to talk about forming more formal allegiances, go your hardest… it’s not for me.”
Criticism from Liberal MPs
Liberal MP Tim Wilson, who lost his seat to Daniel in 2022 but won it back in 2025, ridiculed the party idea, saying, “I think no one actually takes this party seriously. It’s about them achieving their own survival, not the good of the nation.” Moderate Liberal Senator Maria Kovacic said she had not been approached by any such venture and scorned the discussion, noting, “I think it makes it difficult for the independents. They have resisted the branding that they’re teals, and now they are coming together as a party based on that reporting, which will be challenging for them in their own communities.”
