Former independent MPs Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have announced the formation of a new political party, Community Strong Australia, initiating a 100-day consultation period. The move seeks to formalise the loose coordination that community independents have exhibited while preserving their distinct local identities.
What Community Strong Australia Offers
The party's constitution eschews traditional leadership structures and formal grassroots membership. Instead, parliamentarians and candidates serve as the voting members, making key decisions through a 75% supermajority threshold. With only two members currently, this requires consensus. MPs will be able to vote freely on all issues except confidence and supply, a rare flexibility in Australian politics but not unprecedented elsewhere.
Endorsed candidates will share core values similar to those required by Climate 200. The party aims to work alongside existing "Voices of" groups and community independent networks rather than replacing them.
Why Form a Party Now?
Spender denied that the party was a response to upcoming changes to spending and donation caps, set to take effect on January 1 2027. However, party membership will allow candidates to access more funds under the new regulations, which have been criticised as unfair to independents. Similar Victorian laws were struck down by the High Court earlier this year.
Party registration also enables endorsement of Senate candidates, allowing them to appear above the line, a significant advantage. Independent Senator David Pocock registered his own party in 2021 for this reason.
Mixed Reactions from Fellow Independents
Most existing federal independent MPs have ruled out joining for now. Kate Chaney, independent member for Curtin, said she "doesn't see any benefit." Nicolette Boele, MP for Bradfield, said she will not decide until she understands what membership entails. Former MP Zoe Daniel, leading a court challenge against the donation laws, expressed support but noted risks.
The party emerges amid declining major party votes, long-term realignment, and rising support for One Nation. Steggall stated: "At a time when others are promoting conflict and hate, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to provide a real political alternative and promote a positive narrative about what Australia is and what we can achieve together."
Policy Agenda and Historical Context
Community Strong emphasises multiculturalism, economic productivity, and climate action, contrasting with One Nation's monoculturalism and climate scepticism. The party sits in a historical tradition of centrist movements. The Australian Democrats, founded in 1977, held Senate seats until 2008 but declined due to instability. More recent examples like Nick Xenophon's Centre Alliance and the UK's Change UK struggled with personal branding and low salience.
To succeed, Community Strong must preserve community ties, maintain independence, and ensure internal stability.
