Former ACT Liberal leader Clare Carnell has announced the formation of a new political party, with the ambitious goal of winning government in the Australian Capital Territory by 2028.
Party launch and key figures
Ms Carnell, who served as ACT Chief Minister from 1995 to 2000, unveiled the party at a event in Canberra on Wednesday. The new party, named "ACT for Canberra," will be led by Ms Carnell as its inaugural president. The party's founding members include several former Liberal and independent figures, as well as community advocates.
"We are building a party that represents the interests of all Canberrans, not just the political elite," Ms Carnell said. "Our goal is to form government in 2028, and we have a clear plan to achieve that."
Policy platform and strategy
The party's initial policy platform focuses on cost-of-living relief, improved public transport, and greater transparency in government. Ms Carnell said the party would contest the 2024 ACT election with a small number of candidates, before mounting a full campaign in 2028.
"We are starting small but thinking big. The 2024 election will be a stepping stone, allowing us to build momentum and demonstrate our credibility to voters," she explained. The party aims to attract disaffected voters from both major parties, as well as those who have not previously engaged in politics.
Reaction and analysis
Political analysts have noted the challenge of breaking into the ACT's two-party system, where Labor and the Liberals have dominated for decades. However, Ms Carnell's experience and name recognition could give the new party an edge. According to a recent poll, nearly 30% of ACT voters expressed dissatisfaction with the major parties.
"Clare Carnell is a well-known figure in Canberra politics, and her new party could tap into a vein of voter discontent," said Dr. John Smith, a political scientist at the Australian National University. "But forming government in 2028 is an ambitious target, and they will need to build a strong organizational base and a clear policy platform to succeed."
Next steps
The party will hold its first policy convention in March, where it will formalize its platform and select candidates for the 2024 election. Ms Carnell said the party would also launch a membership drive and fundraising campaign in the coming weeks.
