Zali Steggall expected to launch teal party after months of secret talks

Zali Steggall is poised to launch a new political venture as soon as this week after months of secret talks about the future of the teal movement. But it may be a party for one, at least initially, as the prospect of a “teal party” continues to divide crossbench MPs. A month after reports emerged of advanced talks between teal MPs about forming a new political alliance , Guardian Australia has been told an official announcement is expected as soon as this week. As first reported in the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Steggall last week briefed teal MPs and prominent members of the independents movement about the case for banding together. Sign up for the Breaking News Australia email The Warringah MP’s presentation included polling and an explanation of the benefits of operating in a party structure, according to sources briefed on the project. The discussions started after Labor and the Coalition last year teamed up to legislate new electoral laws – including spending and donation caps – that disadvantaged independents. But the talks have intensified over the past six months as the rise of One Nation forces MPs to consider the best approach to remain relevant in the shifting political landscape. Steggall declined to comment when contacted by Guardian Australia. The winter Olympian laid out the case for a new party in an opinion piece last week for the AFR , arguing “Australians have changed, and our politics needs to keep up”. …