Two of Australia's most prominent independent MPs have stepped outside the crossbench to build something new. Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender unveiled Community Strong Australia in Canberra on Thursday, positioning it as a centrist alternative for voters who feel left behind by the major parties.
The move marks a significant evolution for the so called teal movement, which has spent the past several years winning seats as community backed independents rather than party candidates.
What Is Community Strong Australia
Community Strong Australia is a newly formed political party launched by independents Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender, positioning itself as a centrist alternative to Australia's major parties. The party is pitched at the politically homeless, emerging amid the rise of One Nation and broader instability across Australian politics.
It will carry teal coloured branding and contest seats in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Policy priorities include housing affordability, cost of living pressures, climate action, childcare, education, and healthcare.
A Structure Built on Independence
Unlike conventional parties, Community Strong Australia will have no formal leader and will allow members to vote freely in parliament rather than follow strict party directives. The MPs say they will work together to develop policy while retaining a free vote and prioritizing their own communities.
Climate 200, the fundraising vehicle that has backed several independent candidates in recent elections, was not involved in establishing the party.
Why Steggall and Spender Are Making This Move
Steggall said the community independent movement had shown what was possible when people united around shared values and practical solutions, framing the new party as a way of extending that opportunity to more Australians.
In a joint statement, the pair said Australia is at a crossroads, and that voters want a politics that brings people together and gives communities a stronger voice in shaping the future.
Steggall was clear that the party would not serve as a centre right replacement, telling the Sydney Morning Herald it is "not a life raft for the Liberal Party," adding that the Liberal Party had caused its own damage.
Positioning Against Division
Spender said the party responds to a feeling among many Australians that politics is dominated by career politicians who do not listen to them, and that the country's success was built on hard work, tolerance, and shared purpose rather than conflict.
Who Is Joining and Who Is Staying Independent
The launch has split the broader crossbench rather than uniting it.
- Fellow teal MPs Monique Ryan and Kate Chaney have already ruled themselves out of joining.
- Bradfield MP Nicolette Boele said she is remaining independent for now, stating any decision to change that belongs to her electorate and not to a press conference.
- Crossbenchers Bob Katter, former National Andrew Gee, and Centre Alliance's Rebekha Sharkie also said they would remain independent.
- ACT Senator David Pocock had previously signaled openness to new political arrangements, describing Australian politics as being in a time of flux.
Path to Registration
The party has applied for registration with the Australian Electoral Commission, with formal registration expected to be finalized by October 2026, making it eligible to contest the 2028 federal election. Registration is required specifically to allow the party to run Senate candidates.
