Several prominent teal independents have ruled out joining any formal political party amid speculation about a possible centrist movement in federal politics.

Independent MPs Helen Haines and Monique Ryan confirmed they will remain community independents, with Ryan stating she remains accountable solely to voters in Kooyong.

Their comments followed earlier remarks from Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender acknowledging that discussions had occurred among independents about closer political cooperation.

Former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull denied being directly involved in creating a teal party but argued there is now a political “vacuum” in the centre of Australian politics because the Liberal Party has shifted too far to the right.

Turnbull warned that the Liberals risk repeating the mistakes of the UK Conservatives by validating right-wing populist parties such as One Nation, saying voters would ultimately prefer the “real deal”.

He also criticised the expected appointment of Tony Abbott as Liberal Party president, claiming the party continues to ignore electoral signals from moderate voters.

Liberal leader Angus Taylor dismissed concerns about the teal movement, arguing the independents have effectively operated like a political party for years.Shadow treasurer Tim Wilson also rejected suggestions that Liberal moderates would defect to any teal grouping.

The live politics coverage additionally reported on several national issues, including Australia’s worsening diphtheria outbreak in remote Indigenous communities, declining housing market conditions across major cities, and the beginning of new hearings at the royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion.Other reports covered the planned repatriation and reburial of Aboriginal stockman Thomas Cowell nearly 70 years after his death.