Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender, two prominent independent MPs, have launched a new political party called Community Strong Australia, aiming to offer a centrist alternative to the major parties and counter the rise of One Nation. The announcement was made in Sydney, with both MPs emphasizing unity and reason over division and rage.
A New Political Alliance
Steggall, the member for Warringah, and Spender, the member for Wentworth, are quite different individuals. Steggall is a former Olympic skier and family law barrister with a fierce elite athlete mindset and deep conviction. Spender is a deep thinker, former CEO, qualified economist, and a genuine listener. Despite their differences, they share a commitment to community-focused politics and have taken a brave step in forming a new party.
The party's constitution does not require members to vote together on all matters, except for supply and confidence to government. It emphasizes values alignment on sensible economic management, climate action, equality, and integrity—the four pillars that underpinned the community independents movement in the 2022 election.
Addressing the Political Landscape
According to Zoe Daniel, a former independent member for Goldstein and a friend of both MPs, the launch comes at a critical time. "Labor is too dominant, the Coalition is disintegrating and One Nation is at the gates. People are angry and frustrated. They are searching for leadership," Daniel wrote in an opinion piece. She noted that the party's slogan "reason over rage" resonates with many voters.
Pollster Kos Samaras observed that "a number of people who are currently voting for One Nation – not an insignificant number of them – will switch to an alternative if it's a serious one." He added that "they are sitting on One Nation in lieu of something else. At the moment there is only one product on the market."
Risks and Opportunities
Translating the authenticity of community independence into a party structure is fraught with risk, Daniel acknowledged. "There is no doubt whatsoever that the armchair warriors will be all over it. So will the political apparatchiks trying to tear it down before it even stands up." However, she argued that in the Australian spirit of having a go, the party deserves a chance.
The genesis of the community independents movement began in Indi, Northeast Victoria, where Cathy McGowan was elected in 2013. Daniel noted that McGowan told her politics requires "finding your courage muscle." She concluded that Steggall and Spender are now exercising that muscle.
Community Strong Australia may not be the perfect answer, Daniel said, but it can be part of the solution and coexist with independents who choose not to join the party.
