Teals 2.0: ‘People are dying to express their dislike for the majors’ (18 Oct 2024)
Article summary: Grassroots independent campaigns are proliferating across Australia as political dissatisfaction with the major parties grows. Movements like McPherson Independent in the Gold Coast are gaining momentum in the lead-up to the next federal election.
These independent campaigns, driven by concerns over climate change and the political status quo, are inspired by successful "teal" independents who won key seats in the 2022 election. With over 600 volunteers and $50,000 in pledges, McPherson Independent is part of a broader shift in voter sentiment, especially in traditionally safe Liberal seats like McPherson, where post-COVID migration has brought a more progressive demographic.
The independent movement isn't confined to McPherson. Similar campaigns are springing up from Moncrieff and Fadden on Queensland's eastern seaboard to Dickson, where Peter Dutton's seat is under threat.
Western Australia has also seen the rise of independents, inspired by Kate Chaney's 2022 victory in Curtin. Chaney’s campaign has sparked movements in neighbouring seats such as Moore and Fremantle. As long-time Liberal incumbents like Karen Andrews in McPherson and Nola Marino in Forrest retire, independents see a growing opportunity to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction.
Polling shows a sharp decline in support for the major parties, with the Coalition's primary vote falling to 35.7% and Labor's to 32.6% in the last federal election. Voters are increasingly disillusioned, and the 2022 teal wave, backed by Climate 200 funding, has demonstrated that independents can win in formerly safe seats.
Organisations like the Community Independents Project, founded by veterans of the Indi and Warringah campaigns, are helping to guide and support these movements. Their goal is to empower local communities and disrupt the traditional two-party dominance in federal politics.
While the independent movement is gaining traction, there are challenges ahead. Many of these campaigns are still in their early stages, and finding the right candidates is crucial. The timing of the next federal election also adds uncertainty. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm for change is palpable.
State elections in Western Australia and Queensland could further shift the political landscape, as voters are eager for a new style of politics that prioritises local issues and community voices over party loyalty.
This grassroots surge comes as nearly a third of Australians did not vote for major parties in the last election. Polling expert Kos Samaras predicts even higher levels of dissatisfaction at the next election, with many voters eager to send a strong message to Canberra. Whether through independents or new political movements, the drive for change is likely to shape the upcoming elections in both urban and regional Australia.
