In brief
Independent MPs Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have launched the Community Strong Australia party, promising unity over division and reason over rage. With no formal leader, the party will let members vote freely, offering an alternative to the entrenched Labor‑Coalition dichotomy. Its platform focuses on housing, cost of living, climate change, and social services, and refuses ties to the Climate 200 funder. While other independents decline involvement, the party’s registration is pending with the Australian Electoral Commission, expected to finalise by October.
A new centrist party, Community Strong Australia, has been launched by two independent MPs, Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender, in an attempt to counter Australia’s increasingly polarised political climate.
The party, unveiled in Canberra on Thursday, pledges “unity over division and reason over rage”, and will not have a formal leader. Members will vote according to their own views rather than following a party line.
Steggall and Spender—both part of the “teal” group of independents who prioritise social liberalism and aggressive climate action—said the new platform offers an “alternate political force” to the long‑dominated centre‑left Labor versus centre‑right Liberal‑Nationals setup.
Labor’s landslide 2023 win and the Liberal‑Coalition’s crushing defeat, followed by internal strife, have prompted the MPs to form a third path.
They also pointed to the rise of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party and its anti‑immigration rhetoric as a sign that “people are frustrated and tired of the status quo”, urging voters to look beyond traditional party platforms.
Key issues the party will champion include housing affordability, cost‑of‑living pressures, climate change, childcare, education and healthcare.
Both MPs clarified that the political funder Climate 200, which has supported other independent victories, is not involved in this new venture. They noted that new electoral funding laws give larger parties a budget advantage that can disadvantage independents.
While other independents have declined participation, a few more “teal” MPs are weighing options. The party’s application has been lodged with the Australian Electoral Commission and is expected to be finalised by October.
Published 3 hours ago
