Just one Teal MP faced scrutiny over policy costings at the last election
They campaigned on accountability and transparency, but only one independent opted to have their policies costed by the Parliamentary Budget Office.
So-called 'teal' independents have emerged as a significant force in Australian politics over the last two federal elections, in part due to their campaigning over transparency and accountability.
But only one Independent backed by the Climate 200 movement (who doesn't use the teal colour in her branding) opted to subject her policies to the Parliamentary Budget Office’s red pen: Helen Haines.
The PBO publishes a report following every general election outlining the budget impact of election commitments made by major parties, defined as those with five or more MPs, in this case, the Greens, Coalition and Labor. It typically uses the Pre‑election Economic and Fiscal Outlook as a comparison point.
Independents and minor parties are able to “opt in” for analysis of promises they have made during the campaign, but there is no obligation to do so. While Climate 200-backed "teal" MPs are often viewed as a bloc, they are not a formal political party and therefore are not subject to the same requirements.
