In Brief
- Some so-called teal independents say different political options "need to be on the table".
- The prospect of a formal teal political party has been played down by both major parties.
Independents are mulling the idea of forming a political party although several have already ruled out joining.
So-called teal independents Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender on Monday both confirmed conversations are taking place to form a party which they say would offer voters an alternative to the major parties, and One Nation which polling suggests has been gaining significant ground.
"What we are seeing evolve is a growth of One Nation and people frustrated with the major parties," Steggall said at a joint press conference with Spender on Monday.
"There has to be an alternative choice from the major parties, and One Nation, that is sensible," she added.
Spender said voters were looking for "alternative solutions" and there had been positive feedback to the idea of a teal party.
Both Steggall and Spender acknowledged there are varied views among independents over forming a party but said discussions were important.
"I think 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," Spender said.
By midday, some independents had already ruled themselves out, including those who do not identify as teals — a group broadly associated with conservative economic views and more progressive positions on social issues and climate.
Victorian MP Helen Haines said she wanted to remain as an independent for her community.
"Let a thousand blossoms bloom. If people want to talk about forming more formal allegiances through a party, go your hardest," Haines told reporters in Canberra.
Monique Ryan said remaining independent would honour her commitment to her Victorian electorate of Kooyong.
"I will continue to do that in the capacity in which I was elected: as a community independent, voted for and answerable to the people of Kooyong," she said in a statement.
WA independent Kate Chaney said "political poles are shifting" and major issues impacting Australians "no longer fit on the convenient left-right political spectrum".
But she, too, intended to remain independent.
"I am interested in working more collaboratively with other crossbenchers on policy — many of our communities have similar values — but right now I do not think that requires me to be a member of a political party," she said in a statement.
Other crossbenchers, including Bob Katter, former National Andrew Gee and Centre Alliance's Rebekha Sharkie, also said they would stay as independents.
Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull said there was a "vacuum for an alternative centre party" as he denied any role in talks of forming one.
"The teals would be obvious people to be part of that ... but whether they actually decide to do so is up to them," the former Liberal leader said. "So I'm not involved with any plans to set something up."
Turnbull said he supported a broader diversity of views in parliament.
"We should be encouraging more competition in our political systems, not less," he said.
Independent senator David Pocock is also open to teaming up with others to form a political party when asked if it was time for like-minded representatives to band together.
"We're in a real time of flux politically ... as to what that looks like in the future, who knows?," Pocock told the ABC's Insiders program on Sunday.
The prospect of a formal teal political party was played down by both major parties, with Labor framing the speculation as part of broader turmoil outside its ranks and the Coalition arguing the independents already behave as a bloc.
"There obviously is a lot of flux in the non-Labor parts of politics right now." Health Minister Mark Butler told the ABC on Monday. "So to see speculation like that is perhaps not a surprise."
Liberal frontbencher Jane Hume said the teal independents had "already acted like a party for years".
— With additional reporting by the Australian Associated Press.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
