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Independent MPs Steggall and Spender Form New Centrist Party Community Strong Australia

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Community Strong Australia: New Centrist Party Launches

Independent federal MPs Zali Steggall (Warringah) and Allegra Spender (Wentworth) have registered a new political party, Community Strong Australia, with the Australian Electoral Commission—offering a centrist alternative to the major parties.

The party was announced on June 26, 2026, following months of discussions among crossbench MPs. Its formation is partly a response to new electoral donation laws that cap individual candidate spending while allowing parties a larger national campaign budget.

Party Structure and Governance

The new party operates with a deliberately decentralized model:

  • No single leader: Parliamentary leaders will lead collectively.
  • Free vote: Parliamentarians retain a free vote on all matters except confidence and supply.
  • Supermajority requirement: Decisions require a 75% supermajority vote.
  • No traditional grassroots membership: Only parliamentarians and pre-selected candidates hold member status. Community involvement is through volunteering and public events.
  • Consultation period: A 100-day consultation period with supporters will follow for further policy development.

Policy Positions and Objectives

The party's stated policy pillars include sensible economic management, climate action, social equality, and integrity in governance. Specific priority areas include:

  • Housing affordability and cost of living
  • Climate change and energy security
  • Childcare, education, and healthcare
  • Intergenerational fairness
  • AI and technology opportunity with data protection
  • A productive economy and respectful multicultural society

Co-founder Zali Steggall described the party as "centrist, not a centre-right replacement" and "not a life raft for the Liberal Party."

Allegra Spender added: "A lot of people feel politically homeless right now."

Background and Motivations

The formation follows several key contextual factors:

Electoral Law Changes

Labor and the Coalition passed legislation introducing spending and donation caps, effective January 1, 2027. These laws cap individual candidate spending at $800,000 per electorate while allowing parties a national campaign budget of $90 million.

Spender described the laws as "a major-party stitch-up." A High Court challenge has been launched by former independent MP Zoe Daniel and former senator Rex Patrick.

Staffing Reductions

The prime minister reduced independent parliamentary staffing from four to one per MP, prompting crossbenchers to seek resource-sharing arrangements.

Political Landscape

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull stated that a "vacuum" exists for a centrist party, citing the Liberal Party's shift from the centre and rising support for One Nation. Turnbull confirmed conversations with teal MPs but denied involvement in forming the new party.

Funding Advantages

A party structure provides access to higher campaign spending limits under the reformed donation laws. Becoming a party also allows candidates to contest Senate elections—which Steggall identified as a key target. A party would require five federal parliamentary members to achieve minor party status, granting the leader additional salary and travel entitlements.

Reactions and Statements from Politicians

Co-founders

  • Zali Steggall: The party offers "unity over division and reason over rage" and said "the community independent movement has shown what's possible when people unite around shared values and practical solutions."
  • Allegra Spender: Acknowledged challenges but noted that people want local representation and accountability.

Other Crossbench MPs

Most independent MPs have ruled out joining:

  • Monique Ryan (Kooyong): "I don't have any intention of joining a party. I'm very, very happy as an independent."
  • Kate Chaney (Curtin): Sees no benefit but expressed interest in working collaboratively on policy.
  • Helen Haines (Indi): Stated it is "not for her."
  • Andrew Wilkie (Denison): "Joining a party is not how I roll."
  • Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo): Ruled out joining.
  • Bob Katter (Kennedy): Ruled out joining.
  • Andrew Gee (Calare): Ruled out joining.

Some remain open:

  • David Pocock (ACT Senator): Indicated openness, noting "plenty of conversations going on," but has not joined.
  • Nicolette Boele (Bradfield): Is consulting her community; did not rule out closer ties.
  • Sophie Scamps (Mackellar): Is consulting her community; expressed disappointment the plans were reported in media.

Former MPs:

  • Kylea Tink (former MP, North Sydney): Could be a candidate for a NSW Senate ticket; Steggall expressed hope she would join.
  • Zoe Daniel (former MP, Goldstein): Responded she is "not likely to progress" her thinking in the short term but received positive feedback from former constituents. She is lead plaintiff in the High Court challenge.

Major Party Politicians

  • Angus Taylor (Opposition Leader): Dismissed the threat, stating the independents already "act like a political party."
  • Jane Hume (Liberal Deputy Leader): Called it the "worst-kept secret" and argued the teals have voted with Labor and the Greens 70% of the time.
  • Tim Wilson (Shadow Treasurer): Mocked the party, calling it a front for Labor.
  • Maria Kovacic (Liberal Senator): Suggested it would be challenging for independents in their communities.
  • Mark Butler (Health Minister): Said the speculation is not surprising given "flux in the non-Labor parts of politics."
  • Barnaby Joyce (One Nation MP): Mocked the teals as representing wealthy inner-city electorates.

Current Membership and Candidate Status

As of the announcement, Steggall and Spender are the only federal MPs to join the party. There are no candidates yet and no settled policies beyond the stated pillars. Registration with the Australian Electoral Commission is expected to be finalized by October 2026.

Climate 200, the crowdfunding vehicle that supported several teal candidates in the 2022 election, is not currently funding the new party.

Senate Prospects and Electoral Strategy

Analysis of 2025 election votes suggests the party's best Senate prospects are in New South Wales and Western Australia, where independent candidates received 70-80% of the votes needed to elect a senator. In Victoria, independents received 30-40%. The party aims to recruit crossbench MPs to direct preferences toward its Senate candidates.

Historical Context

  • Teal independents unseated nine Liberal MPs in traditionally held Liberal seats at the 2022 federal election, often with funding from Climate 200.
  • Several teal independent candidates lost their seats at the May 2025 federal election, including Zoe Daniel and Kylea Tink.
  • A Redbridge poll suggested One Nation could win up to 59 seats in the lower house, potentially becoming the main opposition party.
  • Historical precedents for centrist parties in Australia include the Australian Democrats (1977-2008) and the Nick Xenophon Team/Centre Alliance, both of which had periods of influence but ultimately declined in support.

Questions Raised

Former independent MP Kerryn Phelps raised several questions about the new party:

  • Will electorates approve the move?
  • How will policy conflicts on issues like foreign policy and tax be managed?
  • What is the preselection process for candidates?
  • How will preferences be directed?

As the party moves toward formal registration, these questions remain central to its viability and potential impact on Australia's political landscape.