Zali Steggall, the member for Warringah, and Allegra Spender, the member for Wentworth, have announced the formation of a new political party, Community Strong Australia. The party aims to offer an alternative to the major parties and appeal to voters frustrated with the current political landscape.
Different backgrounds, shared goals
Steggall, a former Olympic skier and family law barrister, is known for her fierce determination and deep conviction. Spender, a former CEO and qualified economist, is a deep thinker and genuine listener. Despite their differences, they share a commitment to changing the way politics is done.
According to Zoe Daniel, a former independent member for Goldstein and friend of both, the launch demonstrates bravery. "Starting something, then changing course, adapting, in the face of entrenched systems of power requires that," she writes.
Political landscape and motivation
The party's announcement states: "Australia is at a turning point and people are worried about what the future holds. Community Strong Australia offers unity over division and reason over rage."
Pollster Kos Samaras notes that some One Nation voters may switch to a serious alternative. "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 says. "They are sitting on One Nation in lieu of something else. At the moment there is only one product on the market."
Party structure and values
Community Strong Australia will use a collective leadership model, and its constitution does not require members to vote together on matters except providing supply and confidence to government. The party is based on values alignment: sensible economic management, climate action, equality, and integrity.
Daniel acknowledges the risk of translating community independence into a party structure but encourages giving it a chance. "In the Australian spirit of having a go, give it a chance. This is what our communities asked us to do, to try to do politics differently, and that can take more than one form."
Impact and future
The genesis of the community independents movement was in Indi, where Cathy McGowan was elected in 2013. Daniel recalls McGowan telling her that politics requires finding your courage muscle. "Someone has to, and today it’s Zali and Allegra who are having a crack," Daniel concludes.
