The 2022 federal election saw unprecedented support for minor parties and independent candidates, with 1 in 3 voters looking beyond Labor and the Coalition.
The 'Teal' independents were the most prominent drivers, running well-funded and well-organised campaigns that drew significant media attention. Several Liberal MPs lost their seats, including the former Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg. These campaigns focused on climate change, political integrity, and gender equality, areas where the incumbent Coalition Government was widely criticised for failing to take meaningful action.
The trend towards independent and minor parties has been building for several decades. The share of votes for non-major parties has risen dramatically, from 8.5% in 1980 to 31.5% in 2022. This trend accelerated in 2007, following a shift back to Labor and the Coalition in the previous decade. Voters are now less likely to vote for the major parties and are becoming more independent-minded in their political choices.
The political landscape is different in the lead-up to this election. Labour is in power — with a narrow two seat majority — with cost of living and housing as the most prominent issues. As Australians return to the ballot box, will support for the independents and minor parties be maintained? If the trend away from the major parties continues this year, a hung parliament is a foreseeable outcome. Beyond obtaining the balance of power, could this election represent a permanent realignment of Australian politics?
This Folio Conversation with Kylea Tink MP — Independent Member for North Sydney — will explore what it means to do politics differently and the role of community independents (and minor parties) in reshaping Australia's democracy.
This event is part of a collection of events and curated content on the theme 'Election 2025'. This theme explores the major issues and forces shaping Australian politics in the lead-up to the 2025 federal election.
Conversation Leader - Ms Kylea Tink MP
A long-time resident of the North Sydney electorate, former business leader and mum of three, Kylea is committed to doing politics differently. In 2022, Kylea was elected to represent North Sydney because the people of the community wanted to see politics done differently: placing the emphasis on our hopes and concerns, rather than party politics. As their representative, she is here to listen and advocate for the issues that matter most to her community.
Ms Tink won her seat over the Liberal Party incumbent, Trent Zimmerman, 53–47 percent after preferences. Along with other independent politicians who won seats in the election, Tink was described as a teal independent. However, her campaigning colour of choice is pink!
Before entering politics, she had a career in communications and campaigning. She is a former managing director of Edelman Australia, chief executive of the McGrath Foundation and Chief Executive of Camp Quality.
In September 2024, the Australian Electoral Commission announced the abolition of Ms Tink's seat of North Sydney. Later that year, she announced that she would not contest the 2025 federal lower house election and publicly supported independent candidate for Bradfield, Nicolette Boele.
Event Format
Online Folio Conversations are not like your normal webinar or panel discussion.
We bring Folio members and guests — from different sectors, disciplines, occupations, and backgrounds — into connected conversation with leading thinkers and doers from Australia and abroad.
We prioritise interactive dialogue between our Conversation Leader and all attendees. We follow the Chatham House Rule to promote open, honest, and inclusive dialogue.
Folio Conversations are an open invitation to better understand the issues, each other, and the world around us. We encourage all attendees to bring their curiosity and actively listen and share their perspectives and experiences.
