Ten Facts about Deb Leonard and the Teal Independents

1. LEONARD IS A FORMER MEMBER OF THE GREENS

Leonard told the Bass Coast Post she was previously a member of the Greens.¹

2. LEONARD IS NOW PART OF THE TEALS MOVEMENT

Deb Leonard’s campaign is financially supported by Climate 200, founded by Simon Holmes à Court and defined by the Australian Electoral Commission as a “significant third party.”²

Climate 200 is the main backer behind “Teal” Independents in parliament.

3. TEALS VOTE MOSTLY WITH GREENS

Parliamentary voting records show the eight Teal Independents have voted mostly with the Greens.³

On votes for legislation, the Teal Independents’ voting is even more skewed, voting 77% with the Greens, versus 20% with the Liberals.⁴

4. TEALS WANT HIGHER TAXES

Teal MPs want higher taxes – including on investments, housing and a higher GST.

5. TEALS ARE WEAK ON SECURITY

In February 2023, every Teal Independent voted with the Greens against tougher laws to stop criminals getting visas.⁵

6. LEONARD IS SUPPORTED BY THE RADICAL EXTINCTION REBELLION

The radical Extinction Rebellion Gippsland endorsed Deb Leonard at the last election.⁶

7. LEONARD OPPOSES LOCAL COAL MINES AND STATIONS

Leonard has argued for closing the coal industry in the Latrobe Valley and is against coal mines.⁷

8. LEONARD WANTS AUSTRALIA DAY CHANGED

Leonard supports changing the date of Australia Day.⁸

9. LEONARD AND THE TEALS STRONGLY SUPPORT THE VOICE

Leonard supports the Voice, as did all eight Teal Independent MPs.⁹‍

By contrast, 66% of people in Monash voted NO.

10. RISKS A LABOR / GREENS / TEALS MINORITY GOVERNMENT

The next election is expected to be close, with many commentators predicting a “hung parliament” where no party can form majority government.

If that happens, Greens and Independents could decide who forms government.

Despite campaigning on “transparency”, Teal Independents have consistently refused to say who they would back into government if there’s a hung parliament.

The Teals’ voting record shows they overwhelmingly support the Greens and Labor.