Teal candidates must disclose party alliances before election

Independent MPs, known as the "teals," are expected to face pressure regarding their positions before the upcoming election. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is anticipated to advise the governor-general to dissolve Parliament soon, paving the way for an election where the number of crossbench MPs up for re-election is at an all-time high. Current opinion polls show that neither major party is likely to gain a majority. Labor, which holds a slim three-seat majority, may lose seats typical for first-term governments. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party needs to gain 21 seats to secure their own majority, a goal that has been referred to as having "a mountain to climb." The crucial question for the election is which party the teals would support if no major party wins a majority. The Greens have stated they will only back Labor, but they are expected to lose seats. In areas like Brisbane, strong local candidates from the Liberal Party pose a significant challenge to them. The Greens' waning support is also linked to individual MPs, such as Max Chandler-Mather, whose popularity has fallen due to controversial affiliations. Meanwhile, other crossbenchers, such as Bob Katter and Andrew Wilkie, are unlikely to support either major party. Teal MPs have not been open about which party they might back, causing frustration for voters seeking transparency. This lack of clarity contrasts with the Greens, who are more straightforward about their intentions. Even as the election approaches and policies become clear, the teals are expected to remain vague about their future support. Critics argue that the teals, who campaigned on a message of transparency, are acting like traditional politicians by not disclosing their plans. The situation raises questions about their commitment to honesty in politics, a theme that has resonated with voters.