Teal Independents Consider Forming Political Party Amidst Electoral Law Reforms

So how much of this idea to establish a Teal-led political party has been prompted by the new electoral funding laws?

The reforms passed within the last term of parliament place a strict cap on spending and donations. Independent Zali Steggall says it was a consideration.

"That did also force me to look at the set-up and the disadvantage there is in being a community independent versus a major party," she said.

"There are many things that favor major party structures, and again, the public was incredibly cynical about that move, that it's yet again major parties trying to rig the game for their benefit."

Independent MP Zali Steggall has confirmed she's open to the teals forming their own political party but declined to say how far talks have progressed.

"I'm always open because, of course, I'm in my third term and after seven years in parliament, I can see how there are many things we could do politically better and differently," she tells ABC's Radio National Breakfast.

She says discussions are looking at how the collective can work in a "collaborative way" noting that she's learned in her seven years in parliament she can see how there are "efficiencies" to be found in working together.

Steggall also pointed to the Liberals installing the man she defeated in Warringah, former prime minister Tony Abbott, as federal president and the rise in One Nation.

Asked how far along conversations were, Steggall declined to say.

"Well things are, you know, there are conversations. That's about all I can say."

Back to the speculation the teals independents could be looking to form their own independent party.

There are reports in the papers this morning that independents Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender are the ones leading this push, and moderate Liberals have been also asked to join.

Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson was the sole Liberal to win a seat back from the teals at the last election. Wilson doesn't buy that some of his moderate colleagues could be looking to jump ship.

"I don't think there's any chance of that because I think no one actually takes this party seriously," he says.

"It's about them achieving their own survival, not the good of the nation."

A second Australian woman detained by Israel while on a Gaza-bound flotilla has arrived home in Melbourne. Some on the flotilla have alleged mistreatment by Israeli forces.

Labor frontbencher Mark Butler says they have raised the matter with Israel and its ambassador to Australia "in the strongest possible terms".

"The treatment of those Australians and people from other countries as well has been disgraceful, particularly the behaviour of Ben-Gvir. We've raised our concerns in the strongest possible way," he told ABC News Breakfast.

"We're really glad that the Australians are starting now to return home and reunite with their families. But this has been a particularly concerning event."

Meanwhile, there are reports a group of teal independents could form a new political party.

Health Minister Mark Butler says that's a "matter for them" but the speculation "was not a surprise".

"They've obviously made inroads in particular communities in Australia. They'll make their own assessment about whether that works for them," he tells ABC's News Breakfast.

"We don't have a view. I don't have a personal view. We're getting on with our job as the Labor Party, a party in government.

"But obviously a lot of flux in the non-Labor part of politics right now. So to see speculation like that's perhaps not a surprise but it's not something we have a view about."

The Greens have left the door open to sending the government's proposed changes to the capital gains tax (CGT) to an inquiry.

Labor is hoping to have legislation for major changes to the CGT discount, along with negative gearing, passed by July.

But the Coalition have already declared it will flight the reforms and want the government to hold a lengthy inquiry into the changes. It leaves the Greens as the only pathway for the government to pass the changes.

Greens senator Nick McKim says the minor party is waiting to see the legislation before guaranteeing it'll back the changes.

"Tax changes are complicated," McKim tells AM.

"We're going to wait and see what the legislation looks like and then we'll work that through our processes including our substantive position on the legislation and whether or not we need another inquiry and if so, how long that inquiry should be."

During an interview on ABC's Insiders yesterday, independent senator David Pocock backed the idea of further scrutiny of the reforms, particularly the contentious CGT changes.

"I think that is through a lengthy Senate inquiry where you actually delve into the detail and grapple with some of these trade-offs to ultimately land on a piece of legislation that is going to work," Pocock told David Speers.

"We've seen this worrying trend in politics where things are just rammed through parliament, rather than actually taking the time to get it right."

A national campaign to help woman understand the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause will be rolled out by the federal government.

Millions of Australian women are perimenopausal or menopausal and symptoms can include hot flushes and mental health changes.

Health Minister Mark Butler says the campaign is to help "break the taboo" about taking about menopause.

"I can't count the number of women who've said to me, 'I had no idea what was going on' in their body and in their head," he told ABC News Breakfast.

Butler says he was also shocked to hear medical students only received a "few hours of training" on menopause.

"This campaign is about raising awareness, particularly among young women but also among partners to understand the signs, to recongise those signs, to be able to do some research on our very detailed website now, or go and seek help if you think you need it."

Hi friends. Welcome to our daily federal politics live blog.

I'm Courtney Gould from the ABC's Parliament House team, here and ready to guide you through the day.

Parliament is back for what is expected to be a bumper sitting fortnight. While the government tries to get things moving on its proposed tax changes, senators and bureaucrats will be locked in another round of Senate estimates.

Let's dive right in!

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