Teals eye party structure to fill Liberal vacuum and counter One Nation

It is a tag that has been unfairly – and incorrectly – attached to the band of teal MPs since their arrival en-masse in federal parliament in 2022, a slur deployed by their political opponents in an attempt to undermine their independence. The “teal party”. But four years on, at least some community independents are genuinely considering forming such an alliance in a move that would further reshape Australia’s rapidly shifting political landscape. The Warringah MP, Zali Steggall , confirmed long-running rumours that there have been discussions about a new centrist party to fill the void left by the Liberals’ lurch to the right and to counter the rise of One Nation. The teal MPs supposedly treasure their independence above all else: it is the very essence of their brand and a powerful point of product differentiation in a era of disillusionment with party politics. Sign up for the Breaking News Australia email So wouldn’t forming a party – even one that allows MPs to speak, vote and act freely – ruin that? Independent MPs Kate Chaney and Monique Ryan clearly think so, releasing statements on Monday that effectively ruled out joining any new political alliance. The rookie MP Nicolette Boele also confirmed she would contest her north Sydney seat of Bradfield as an independent at the next federal election. But Steggall has some support from fellow Sydney teals Allegra Spender and Sophie Scamps, who see merit in at least continuing a discussion. Their motivations are twofold. …