Emma Gillespie

The Teals or this Teal movement is suggesting that, you know, there could be Liberal seats to be won for the Teals that might otherwise go to One Nation because there is still a moderate sentiment in many of these parts of the country.

Ultimately, the goal is, according to Zali Stegall, to build something that expands the movement's impact while preserving the community-first values that define it.

Malcolm Turnbull, the former Prime Minister, has weighed in on this.

He's still technically a member of the Liberal Party,

But he has been rumoured to be approaching moderate Liberals about the prospect of this new centrist movement since late last year.

But he has denied publicly being involved or leading it.

But he has acknowledged there is this vacuum for an alternative centre party.

And it's obvious that many people want to be a part of that.

Yeah, well, I mean, this is why the Teals rose to success in the first place anyway, that in 2022, many of them won those traditionally held seats where voters have shown or expressed that they are more aligned with the Liberal Party when it comes to

fiscal policy, but that they're more progressive on other issues of social justice and climate action.

And as the coalition moves further and further away from net zero and climate policy, there are no doubt countless votes to be won for those voters who are in that middle ground of conservative economic policy, but more interested in progressive climate action.

Yeah, as you mentioned, Billie, Monique Ryan from Kooyong in Victoria has ruled herself out.

She released a statement saying basically...

you know, she was elected as a community independent and that's how she will continue.

We've also heard from Helen Haynes, a regional Victorian MP who confirmed she won't be joining this party, although she did tell her colleagues to go your hardest if they want to explore it.

Kate Cheney,

from Curtin in WA said she would remain as an independent and regional SA MP Rebecca Sharkey also said that it's, quote, not for me.

But Sophie Skomps, McKellar's MP, she's left the door open for what she called a stronger alliance with the Teals.

Skomps said she's going to consult with her community before making any major decisions, but sounding a little bit more inclined to join the movement than some of those other MPs.

Basically, if at least five Teals join this movement,