The parliamentary voting behaviour of ‘teal’ independent MPs

Abstract

I examine the voting behaviour of ‘teal’ independent MPs in Australia’s 47th Parliament, addressing ongoing debates about whether these MPs function as effectively as a cohesive party. Using data from the Parliament of Australia’s Divisions database, I apply party cohesion measures and an optimal classification analysis to assess parliamentary voting patterns. The findings show that the teal independents, while formally unaffiliated, exhibit significant cohesion, though falling short of registered parties. This study also reveals the impact of a record-sized crossbench on the structure of parliamentary voting, with a new policy dimension emerging that separates minor parties and independents from major party dynamics. These findings contribute to the discussion of ‘party-ness’ and the evolving role of independents in parliamentary systems. Show more