Teals target Coast seats in upcoming Federal Election

by Cameron Outridge

Three years after six teal independents swept into federal parliament, fundraising vehicle Climate 200 is once again on a collision course with the Coalition, and this time it’s targeting the Sunshine Coast. 

Two teal-aligned contenders have announced campaigns in Fisher and Fairfax—both traditionally held by the LNP—sparking scepticism from sitting MPs, who claim the movement has an unacknowledged alliance with green-left agendas.

Nationwide, the teals, backed by Climate 200 – founded by Simon Holmes à Court – is reportedly targeting about 30 federal seats, with only one of those currently held by Labor. Critics argue this pattern reveals a strategic focus on unseating Liberal or LNP members, rather than genuinely contesting across all parties. 

Analysis of votes on substantive Bills to parliament – Bills which, if passed, become laws with binding legal effect –  reveals that the six sitting teal MPs  voted the same way as the Greens between 73 and 81 per cent of the time.

However, the teal candidates insist they are locally rooted and community-driven. 

Fairfax hopeful Francine Wiig counters: “I share similar values with other independents.”

 Meanwhile, Fisher candidate Keryn Jones highlights her local credentials and her focus on better transport, housing, and environmental protection, insisting, “I’m proud to be a community-backed independent… I answer only to the people of Fisher.”

Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien was direct in his assessment: “I’d be surprised if locals really wanted billionaires from down south buying the seat of Fairfax through a fake independent.” 

He said the teals followed a centralised playbook designed to “hoodwink communities under the pretence of so-called independence.” Fisher MP Andrew Wallace shares this view. “We know that the Teals vote with the Greens more than 75% of the time. 

“They are ideologically joined to the Greens at the hip.”

Climate 200 says it supports candidates committed to integrity, scientific responses to climate change, and respect for women. 

Despite claims of heavy influence from wealthy donors, Ms Wiig notes, “Climate 200… is funded by over 14,000 grassroots donors and philanthropists… Founder Simon Holmes à Court has contributed only about two percent of the total funds.”

Francine Wiig for Fairfax

Fisher candidate, Keryn Jones