Albo needs to face a teal in Grayndler

The list of Albo capitulations, timidity and disappointments is long. But his recent deal with Dutton to decapitate the teals movement, crossed the line for anyone wanting a better democracy and a better country. Albo's home patch in the progressive inner west heartland of Grayndler, deserves better.

Thank God for the teals, a group of independents that swept into formerly conservative-held seats across the country in the last election. Right now, they’re the best hope for a better politics and a better country. But their project requires more than a term. A strong, fair, rational, economically successful Australia takes decades. And the teals are only part of the solution. We need more democracy, more participation, more integrity in media and more empowerment of our best values. 

We need less billionaire meddling, Newscorp nastiness and gaslighting.

Last week, in the dirtiest of dirty deals, the ALP and coalition came together to crush the teals. The judgement by Labor is that the two party duopoly is more important than vibrant progressivism. I doubt this is a judgement shared by many voters - especially in Albo’s seat of Grayndler.

Albo and the coalition are taking us towards a two party duopoly - like the US.

We should be looking to the US for clues on everything we should avoid. The two party duopoly is one key defect in the current breakdown of US democracy.

In the coming election, I plan to hold my nose and vote Green in Albo’s seat. I’d prefer to have the option of a teal independent. Think Monique Ryan, David Pocock (not exactly a teal but a superstar independent) and the rest. 

I was pretty cool on Albo during his limp battle against Scomo back in 2022. I remember the “small target” debates with friends. But then he won and my frustration seemed misplaced.

Three years later, I’m not so sure. It turns out that small target campaigns produce small leaders - defined by the lack of ambition in their election campaigns. 

Albo’s led a competent government mostly free of scandal - especially compared to the rancid, scandal-ridden years of Scomo and previous coalition governments. 

But in 2025, that’s not enough.

Albo’s moment of courage was brief - The Voice campaign of 2023. It probably wasn’t the hill to die on - though I was a big supporter and volunteer during the campaign.

If Albo wanted a generational battle, his popularity and energy may have been more usefully directed at the Murdoch media gaslighting machine. After all, The Voice campaign failed because of the sophisticated billionaire misinformation campaign led by the Murdoch press.

Newscorp stands as a massive block on every essential progressive reform in Australia - including Indigenous reconciliation. It's the main reason Dutton is viable right now.

Albo’s acutely aware of the real opposition in Australia –the Murdoch press, the mining lobby, the gambling lobby, the fossil fuel lobby and increasingly, dubious organisations like Advance. He saw up-close Kevin Rudd destroyed by the mining tax revolt of the billionaires. Australia was the loser.

Grayndler is more progressive and ambitious than Albo PM - it needs progressive, independent representation.

Can a teal beat Albo?

Not likely. But an effective teal challenger could force Albo to adopt positions more in line with the values of Grayndler - where progressive values run deep.

Albo has consistently deferred to his version of what’s electorally palatable at a national level as Prime Minister, at the expense of representing the values of Grayndler. His positions on gambling advertising, education, the teals, the environment and other issues, suggest he takes Grayndler for granted.

Albo’s timidity isn’t the formula for these crazy times. Labor’s assault on the teals should be the end of the line. We need a teal in Grayndler.

A NOTE ABOUT TREASON IN CRAZY TIMES

In the current Trumptastrophic / Murdochcratised political environment, criticism of Labor can feel treasonous. The worst day in Albo’s term has been better than the best days in the long years of coalition rule that preceded it. Albo has led a competent, scandal free, moderate government with many achievements. But the idea that Dutton the thug, liar and policy dead-zone can be a contender in the coming election, means our democracy needs a major refresh. Albo’s not the man for the times we’re in. The teals are at least part of the solution.