Teals raise alarm as Labor looks to cut them out of ‘billionaires’ electoral reforms
Labor looks increasingly likely to cut the crossbench out of negotiations on its electoral reforms, which teals warn would entrench the "cosy duopoly" of the major parties.
Teal MPs fear the major parties will rush through unfair changes to Australia’s electoral system, designed to protect their ‘cosy duopoly’ from a rising independent wave, while Labor frames the reforms as a way to curb billionaire influence on politics.
After months of speculation on the scope of its overhaul of Australia’s election system, Labor looks set to cut out the crossbench as it brings the plan before parliament this year — potentially just before the federal election.
In the clearest sign yet that he is seeking a deal with the Coalition instead, Special Minister of State Don Farrell confirmed on Tuesday that the package will include spending caps for candidates.
The move has alarmed independents and minor parties, who argue it would limit their ability to compete with major parties that benefit from brand recognition and national funding.
