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'Teals' swoop to upend WA elections (8 Jan 2025)

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Simon Holmes à Court’s Climate 200 has entered the Western Australia election race, providing significant financial backing to independent candidates in key Perth electorates. The organisation, known for its success in supporting "teal" independents at the federal level, donated $20,001 to Rosemarie de Vries in Nedlands, with similar amounts confirmed for Lisa Thornton in Churchlands and Rachel Horncastle in Cottesloe. These electorates are critical to the Liberal Party’s efforts to regain ground.

Rosemarie de Vries denied any affiliation with Climate 200, stating her independence was rooted in community backing. “It’s just a source of funding... this idea of there being a teal brand is coined by the media,” she explained. Lisa Thornton expressed gratitude for the $20,000 contribution, highlighting how it would bolster her campaign. “As an independent candidate for Churchlands, without the deep pockets of a political party or private backers, this substantial donation will help me connect further with voters and amplify my campaign commitments,” she said.

Climate 200, funded by over 35,800 supporters, insists it is empowering community-backed independents to challenge major party dominance. While donations over $2600 must soon be disclosed within one business day under new laws, none of these contributions have yet been registered with the WA Electoral Commission. The Liberal Party faces mounting pressure in must-win electorates as Climate 200’s involvement reshapes the political landscape.

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