Labor yet to make deal on electoral law changes but Pocock and teals fear ‘major party stitch-up’ Six teal independents who defeated Liberals MPs at 2022 election all spent more than Labor’s proposed cap in their successful campaigns.
While Farrell has held talks with all sides, independents Kate Chaney and David Pocock believe Labor is intent on a deal between the major parties after he privately rebuffed their push to split the legislation.
The six teal independents who defeated Liberals MPs at the 2022 election – Allegra Spender, Monique Ryan, Zoe Daniel, Sophie Scamps, Kylea Tink and Chaney – each spent more than the proposed $800,000 cap during their successful campaigns.
But Labor wants the legislation passed now to avoid having to navigate a potential hung parliament in the next term, where the crossbench could use the balance-of-power to thwart the major parties’ plans.
The crossbenchers want the caps scrutinised by a parliamentary inquiry amid concerns the donations and spending limits would make it harder for an aspiring independent to unseat a major party incumbent.
