Curtin MP Kate Chaney has all but ruled out joining a political party after comments by other teal independents about countering the rise of One Nation.
Curtin MP Kate Chaney has all but ruled out joining a political party after comments by other teal independents about countering the rise of One Nation.
East coast teals, Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender said voters were now looking for “alternative solutions” to the major parties.
“I’m not making any commitments to do anything different, but I’m certainly open to having the conversations because this is the moment that we need to consider what sort of political system best needs the needs Australians ask for,” Ms Spender said.
“People are genuinely worried about some of the challenges we face. They are concerned about the options we have on the table
The so-called teals, who managed to unseat six Liberals in the 2022 election, are also concerned about law changes in July, which will see the major parties able to access more funding.
But Ms Chaney said in statement she does not “intend” to shift away from her independent status.
“Since the day I said yes to running as a candidate, I have been committed to contributing constructively to the changing Australian political landscape,” she said.
“Our political poles are shifting. The Liberal Party is moving further to the right. The big issues impacting the lives of everyday Australians no longer fit on the convenient left-right political spectrum.
“In this context, I have had many conversations with my fellow community independents about the challenges Australia faces and have thought deeply about how I can best contribute to a healthy democracy.
“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.”
A recent poll suggested One Nation would become the official opposition party in parliament with 59 seats if an election was held now.
“I think, as a community independent, it is beholden on me to look at the options and how do we evolve and build more consensus to enable more of the community to benefit from choice,” said Ms Steggall.
