Teal Independents
A clear guide to Australia's Teal Independents: who they are, why they emerged in 2022, and what unites this group of climate-focused, socially liberal independent MPs.
Overview
- Country
- Australia
- Founded
- 2022
- Position
- Centre, socially liberal
- Leader
- No leader (independents)
- Headquarters
- None
The Teal Independents are not a formal political party but a loose movement of independent members of parliament who share a broadly similar outlook. They are socially liberal, strongly focused on climate action and political integrity, and generally fiscally moderate. The name comes from the blue-green colour many of them adopted, blending the blue associated with the Liberals and the green of environmental politics.
The teals emerged as a significant force in 2022, when several of them won affluent urban seats that had long been safe for the Liberal Party, and they have since become a notable presence in Parliament.
History
The movement grew out of community campaigns in wealthy, traditionally Liberal-voting electorates whose voters wanted stronger action on climate change and higher standards in politics. Many teal candidates were backed by the fundraising group Climate 200, though each ran as an independent.
At the 2022 federal election a group of teal independents defeated prominent Liberal MPs in seats across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and beyond. Because they are independents rather than a party, they do not have a single leader or a binding platform, but they vote together on many issues.
Economic Policy
The teals are generally fiscally moderate and pro-market, reflecting the affluent electorates they represent, while supporting a strong economic response to climate change. They tend to favour sensible budget management alongside investment in the transition to clean energy, and they do not share the more redistributive agenda of the left.
Foreign Policy
As independents the teals do not have a common foreign policy, though they generally support Australia's alliances while emphasising climate diplomacy and higher standards of transparency and accountability in government decision-making.
Where They Stand
- Operate as independents, not a formal party with a single leader
- Strongly focused on climate action and clean energy
- Champion integrity in government and anti-corruption measures
- Socially liberal on gender and equality questions
- Generally fiscally moderate and pro-market
- Draw support in affluent, formerly Liberal urban seats
Electoral Record
The teals won a cluster of formerly safe Liberal seats in 2022 and have contested subsequent elections as independents. Their significance lies in reshaping competition in affluent urban electorates and in pressing the major parties on climate and integrity.
Position on the Political Compass
Teal Independents sits on the centrist side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Climate 200
Fundraising and support network
A community funding group that backed many teal candidates, though each stood as an independent rather than as part of a party.
Sources and Further Reading
- Teal independents (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Climate 200 (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- 2025 Australian federal election (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Australia political test to see how your views compare with Teal Independents and the other parties.
Take the Australia Test
Social Policy
The teals are socially liberal. They support gender equality, integrity in government including a strong federal anti-corruption body, and progressive positions on many social questions. Their appeal rests heavily on combining economic moderation with social liberalism and climate ambition.