Andras.

The Teals are the last remnant of Liberal moderates after the ones in the party were unable to influence policy in ways they wanted and that's why specific ineffective ones were targetted for replacement.

(It's in the name - Liberal Blue with a touch of Green).

They live in traditional Liberal seats and two of them were even the granddaughters of Menzies Ministers so they are hardly lefties, despite the whining protests about them.

If they perform well I imagine more will be joining their ranks.

As for the "think tanks", most are just Lobby Groups and are funded by special corporate interests. They don't look for answers to problems, they just wait until circumstances suit their answers and then speak up.

Rache,

The teals have no relation to the liberals. They are closer to the greens than any other party.