The Teal Revolution: Inside the Movement Changing Australian Politics

by Margot Saville

The Teal Revolution is essential reading on the unprecedented Teal wave of the 2022 election, a movement with the potential to change Australian politics. From experienced political journalist Margot Saville, this is the fourth book in The Crikey Read series by Crikey and Hardie Grant Books.  In the 2022 federal election a group of independent female candidates spectacularly ousted Liberal Party stalwarts from supposedly safe, blue-ribbon seats. These six women – Allegra Spender in Wentworth, Kylea Tink in North Sydney, Dr Sophie Scamps in Mackellar, Dr Monique Ryan in Kooyong, Zoe Daniel in Goldstein and Kate Chaney in Curtin  – became know as the Teals. Their grassroots campaigns, supported by Climate 200 and focussing on issues like climate change action and political integrity, found success, even against the then treasurer.

In The Teal Revolution, journalist Margot Saville brings an insider’s view of the extraordinary 2022 election campaign in Wentworth and other key Teal seats. What was it like to be part of these campaigns, and at what point did victory become possible? What does the political ascension of these independents tell us about the mood for change across Australia, and about the future of the two major parties? Crucially, Saville also asks where the Teals might go next, and how they might continue to shape Australian politics

From Crikey and Hardie Grant Books, The Crikey Read is a series that brings an unflinching and truly independent eye to the issues of the day in Australia and the world.

Genres: Politics

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2022

Reviews

[Elysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant insight into the "teal wave" of the 2022 election. Six independent female candidates won seats in "safe" Liberal seats during the last federal election. Margot Saville details the lead up to the election, including the selection of candidates, funding and campaigning, as well as how the movement can change Australian politics. It's a quick, easy read that provides a lot of insights and information in a very digestible format.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent analysis of the victories of the six Teal candidates in the 2022 Australian Federal election.

The author, who is one of the journalists who covered the election, explains how they won and how the six sitting Liberal members they opposed, lost their safe blue-ribbon seats.

Very readable and informative and short.

[Malcolm France · Rating 5 out of 5]

This highly readable account of the Teals' victories recounts a story that impresses and astonishes in equal measure and shows that heartfelt community endeavour can triumph over political point-scoring and divisiveness.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting insight into the “teal revolution” and the hard work that happened behind the scenes to make it all happen

[Erin Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

This needs to be either 100 pages longer or 100 pages shorter. The length gives it plenty of time to underline the monocultural background of these candidates and their supporters, which I hadn't really thought too much about before. It also doesn't allow for any sort of digging in on what they plan to exactly DO! They want to fix the climate, grand! How? And what of the criticisms that this particular model ONLY works for this elite class and they can pay as much lip service as they please to 'inequality' but finding representation for Australians that don't look like teals remains implausible. Maybe it's just too soon for a read like this, it's a miss for me.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good insight, but there was so much to cover that I really wanted it to be longer.

The author seemed most aware of one particular seat campaign in Sydney, so there was more detail on that and not much on the others. Still enough to give some insights, particularly on the people behind the scenes.

I always think of "teal" as a mix of blue (Liberals) and green (for environment), rather than a description of the actual campaign colour (which the author claims is really turquoise).

[Mardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great read and insight. I was someone who donated to a Teal candidate (in another state) and have been delighted she not only won but with the others has contributed thoughtfully to political debate. Bonus: They have inspired new community independent projects around the country and no fossil-fuel loving, party-line toting Liberal is now safe. 👏 Similarly, this book is one of several to inform and inspire future Teals and their supporters.

[Alex Rogers · Rating 3 out of 5]

At 100 or so pages, its more of an extended essay rather than a book - but a neat, well researched and well-written portrait of the teal wave that affected the last elections. A worthwhile and informative read for anyone interested in modern Australian politics.

[Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, concise, well-written, interesting, and inspiring.