Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall confirm plans to form new party

Independent federal politicians Allegra Spender and Zali Steggall have announced their intention to form a new political party, Community Strong Australia. The duo, known for winning previously safe Liberal seats, aims to create a "responsible alternative" to the major political parties. However, the party is not yet formally registered and has not appointed any leaders or candidates.

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remain focused on independent representation

This move follows speculation about a formal grouping of the "teal" independents, who have gained traction with support from the Climate 200 political organisation. Spender and Steggall confirmed they are in talks about the party structure, which they envision as a platform for members to "collaborate" on policies while retaining a free vote. They described the model as combining the strengths of both independent representation and traditional parties.

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not about choosing between independents and parties but combining the strengths of both

Climate 200, a key funding group for pro-climate independents, will reportedly remain focused on independent representation and is not directly involved in the new party's formation. Steggall noted that new electoral funding laws passed in the last parliament may curtail Climate 200's ability to donate to independents nationwide, suggesting these laws favor established political parties. A formal party structure, they argue, offers greater flexibility in resource allocation and candidate support compared to a loose coalition of independents.

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for individuals who care about our politics, who will have the capacity to contribute, whether that be big or small, to enable a new choice at the table of our politics

While some fellow independents, like Sophie Scamps and Nicolette Boele, are considering the proposal after consulting their communities, others such as Monique Ryan, Kate Chaney, and David Pocock, have indicated they do not plan to join. Spender expressed openness to disaffected moderate Liberals joining, provided they align with the party's values and community connection. Steggall characterized the party as "centrist," emphasizing "sensible economic management, climate action, integrity, and equality" over traditional left-right divides.

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open to it