Could the Teals become the party of the “sensible centre”?

2 January 2024 by Glenn Barnes

Governance

The Labor, Liberal and National Parties continue to play to their shrinking support bases on the old Right/Left Axis. The Greens seem incapable of escaping the pull of their extremist influencers. The independents (other than the Teals) flip-flop on policy as they seek relevance and favours for their electorates.

Although imperfect and uncoordinated, only the Teals seek to understand and strategise around the common interests of the major and centre part of the electorate. Additionally, they look to understand the electoral need for politicians to regain the public's trust through increased transparency, integrity, and evidence-based policy development.

What do you think?

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Comments

Jess31 @ 2024.01.03 11:30 AM

I moved from Germany to Australia in 2001. German Greens sat at 5%, had a toxic mix of ideas and zero real life impact. Today the Federal Greens are in a coalition government and run five ministries including Foreign Affairs and Economics / Climate Change. How I wish the Australian Greens had evolved similarly.

Instead, I supported a Teal candidate (Zoe Daniel) in the last election and have been impressed by her policy proposals and traction in Canberra - despite (or because?) not having the backing of a party.

Glenn Barnes @ 2024.01.05 2:30 AM

I agree with you, jess31.

The Australian Greens look to be incapable of evolving into a party that could seriously participate in government. The thought of Labor ending up more dependent on their support frightens me.

The Teal independents (especially Allegra Spender) are setting an example of sensible behaviour and approach to Australia's challenging issues.

Dr Robbie Lloyd @ 2024.01.21 2:52 AM
They are all good people with honest intentions. Sadly the political game playing and horse trading that rules in parliaments all over the country will need some strong manoeuvring to shift the current paradigm. And crass media manipulation will always make them vulnerable to character assassination. But I think they have a strong future, depending on how they handle the argy bargy about to explode in the run up to the next election

Related Posts

Governance

Australian Institute for Ethics

Australia - as with many other liberal democracies - has a problem with TRUST!Loss of trust in our institutions and their leaders continues to wear down our social fabric. Continued flagrant lying by our politicians (including Prime Ministers) is just one example of why institutional trust is at such a low ebb.For the sake of future generations, we need to reverse this situation.Establishing and broad community support for an Ethics Institute would be a significant first step in stopping the rot and re-building trust and the compact that underpins our social fabric and order.

16 February 2024 by Glenn Barnes 1 Comments

Governance

Involving the public in selecting the Australian Governor General

Constitutional Law expert and Scientia Professor George Williams has proposed another exciting idea for Australia’s governance. That is, to explore the opportunities our constitution offers and that the conventions with the Crown provide for selecting and appointing our Governor General. Prof Williams raises several interesting issues regarding the potential powers of the position and alternative ways of selecting and appointing a Governor General. Public discourse over these issues could catalyse community interest in our country’s governance and help us evaluate options for constitutional refreshment and our head of state's role, status and powers.

14 February 2024 by Glenn Barnes 2 Comments

Governance

A Mission-Led Industry Policy to Improve Productivity

"A programme of investment in the key activities and technologies of the 21st century to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss

8 February 2024 by IdeaSpies 1 Comments

Why support us financially?

"Great ideas, research and innovation can come from anyone – so often the best ideas do not have a voice. IdeaSpies provides a platform for people to share ideas that create a better world"

Sharing Ideas that Do Good