Teal Independents confirm discussions to formalise alliance into a centrist party

politics | ABC News Australia | 2026-05-25T15:10:00.000Z

Australia's Teal Independents have confirmed discussions are underway about formalising their alliance to present a centrist alternative to disillusioned voters. The move comes as polls show the Coalition collapsing and One Nation surging. Some prominent teals including Monique Ryan and Kate Chaney have distanced themselves from the proposal.

Australia's Teal Independents have confirmed that discussions are underway about formalising their loose alliance into a structured centrist party. The move would represent the most significant restructuring of Australian politics in decades, creating an organised alternative for voters disillusioned with both major parties. Parliament was reportedly abuzz with talk of the potential new formation.

One prominent teal MP expressed concern about regions where there is no effective opposition due to the hollowing out of the centre, saying that standing still is not how you keep winning. The discussions come amid dramatic polling showing the Coalition facing near-wipeout and One Nation surging to potentially 40-60 seats, leaving a void in the political centre that the teals believe they can fill.

However, the proposal is far from unanimous among the teal crossbench. Monique Ryan and Kate Chaney, two of the most prominent teal independents, have distanced themselves from the idea. Chaney stated clearly that there is a lot of speculation but it is not something for her, emphasising that she came out of the party system and the last thing she wants is to go back into it.

The fundamental tension at the heart of the proposal is captured in one question posed by observers: how can a bunch of independents become a party? The very identity of the teal movement was built on rejecting party structures and offering voters genuine independence from factional politics and party discipline.

Treasury is also consulting on possible carve-outs for start-ups and small businesses from the negative gearing and capital gains tax changes, with any exemptions to be dealt with in a separate bill. The Coalition continues to oppose the reforms entirely, calling for the taxes to be axed rather than modified with carve-outs.