Warringah MP Zali Steggall has flagged the possibility that community Independents could form a party before the 2028 Federal Election.
Ms Steggall issued a statement after media speculation that the ‘Teals,’ who are the 10 community Independents in the House of Representatives, could form a party.
Ms Steggall told ABC Sydney she had worked over seven years with the Independents in the House of Representatives and Senate to ‘support one another where we agree on policies and our communities are aligned.
“But how do we work in a more collaborative way to be more effective in holding government to account and avoiding a divisiveness in Australia?”
Mackellar MP Sophie Scamps and Bradfield’s Nicolette Boele have also said they are involved in the discussions, but at least four of the other elected Independents have ruled out joining a party.
Ms Steggall said part of her motivation was because she was ‘deeply concerned by the rise of hateful and divisive rhetoric fuelled by One Nation. It does not reflect the Australia I know.’
In addition, the election of Tony Abbott, who Ms Steggall defeated to win the seat of Warringah in 2019, as Federal Liberal Party president ‘will only drag the party further to the right and alienate reasonable, moderate voters.’
“I’m open to exploring new ways for the movement to evolve, and strengthen its influence on policy and the national conversation.”
Dr Scamps said she was involved in conversations about ‘the potential for a stronger alliance – one that complements the Community Independent movement.’
“These conversations have been accelerated by new electoral campaign laws that will make it difficult for independent candidates, particularly new ones, to run – along with the seismic political shift that has seen the Liberals lurching further to the far right.”
Dr Scamps was referring to changes which cross-benchers have said will punish minor parties and independents due to the lower donation cap per candidate.
Bradfield’s Nicolette Boele said she is ‘open to working collaboratively with members of Parliament on the issues I was elected to achieve. Whether or not my efforts on behalf of Bradfield are best achieved through a formal alliance of community independents is genuinely open for discussion.’
The discussions come amid May polling by Roy Morgan which shows One Nation support as the second party of choice widen over the Liberal/National Coalition (LNP), with Pauline Hanson’s party now at 25.1% compared to 23% for the LNP.
Ms Steggall, who will be running in her fourth election in 2028, flagged that for Independents to form a party, it would need to be a different model to the ALP.
“Communities and independence must remain at the heart of everything we do. Australia does not need another model like the Labor Party, where members are constrained by caucus discipline and too often unable to speak freely or genuinely reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who elected them,” Ms Steggall said.
The timing was also related to the fact that there was ‘disquiet’ in electorates. “I think we’re seeing Australian politics in an incredible time of flux where there’s huge frustration and unhappiness with the major parties,” she told the ABC. “And I think it is my responsibility and others’ responsibility to step up.”
All three politicians said they would consult their communities before making any major decision, with Dr Scamps emphasising: “My two central priorities are representing my community honestly and authentically, and contributing to the best outcomes for Australia.”