Two prominent teal independent MPs, Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender, have officially launched a new political party named Community Strong Australia. The party, which has applied for registration with the Australian Electoral Commission, aims to offer a centrist alternative to the major parties, focusing on issues such as housing affordability, climate change, and cost of living. It is expected to be officially approved by October.
What is Community Strong Australia?
The party describes itself as a "community-powered political force" and "integrity-led," formed to extend the benefits of the community independent movement to more electorates. Its slogan emphasizes "hope over hate, reason over rage, and solutions over slogans." The party intends to pursue a centrist agenda, positioning itself between Labor and the Coalition, similar to the approach taken by many teal independents since entering parliament.
A joint statement from Steggall and Spender says the party will be "accountable to the communities they serve, not party machines, lobbyists or vested interests." Key policy areas include housing affordability, cost of living, climate change, childcare, education, healthcare, and social cohesion.
Who is Involved?
Steggall, the member for Warringah, and Spender, the member for Wentworth, are the founding members. Both won formerly safe Liberal seats: Steggall defeated Tony Abbott in 2019, and Spender won Malcolm Turnbull's old seat in 2022. No other current crossbench MPs or notable figures have yet joined, though the party does not anticipate having traditional members. Community involvement will be through volunteering and public events.
Why Create a New Party?
Spender and Steggall cited public disillusionment with political extremes, including the Coalition's conservatism, One Nation, and Labor's unpopularity. They positioned Community Strong as a moderate alternative. Spender noted that people from across the country urged them to create an alternative political force. Additionally, new electoral laws with spending and donation caps, passed by Labor and the Coalition, disadvantage smaller players and benefit traditional party structures. Spender explained that a party structure creates a more level playing field while preserving the community independent model. The pair confirmed they are not working with Climate 200 or its major donors on this initiative.
Reaction from Other Teals
Most other crossbench MPs have ruled out joining, at least for now. Monique Ryan and Kate Chaney declined several weeks ago, while Helen Haines, Andrew Wilkie, and Rebekha Sharkie also will not join. However, Nicolette Boele, the member for Bradfield, congratulated Steggall and Spender, saying she remains independent but is evaluating what the party could allow her to do for her constituents. She did not rule out closer ties and expects to work with the party often on policy. Steggall and Spender said they will continue collaborating with other crossbenchers.
Policy Platform
Policies are still being developed, but representatives will retain a free vote in parliament, not bound by party room decisions. Steggall said members must pledge to core values and policy pillars. The party's website lists commitments including AI and tech opportunity with data guardrails, a respectful multicultural society, a productive economy, intergenerational fairness, and energy security. Spender announced a 100-day consultation period with supporters to shape further policies, stating "there is more listening to come."
Candidate Plans
The party will run candidates in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Steggall and Spender did not specify how many candidates might run under the Community Strong banner, but said community engagement will guide which campaigns to support. The website emphasizes local communities playing a central role in candidate selection, policy development, and accountability.
The Logo
The logo features three parts: a red orb at the top, a white stripe in the middle, and a teal swirl below, intended to represent a sunrise, a speech bubble, and an outstretched hand, respectively. The overall shape is also meant to resemble a heart. However, some political observers noted it resembles a Santa hat or Papa Smurf, while others made less polite comparisons.
