Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender launch Community Strong Australia to expand Teal movement nationwide
The launch of Community Strong Australia marks the biggest organisational shift in the Teal movement since independent MPs entered Parliament.
Teal independents Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have unveiled a new political party designed to take the community independent movement nationwide, in a move that could intensify pressure on Labor and the Coalition ahead of the next federal election.
The pair announced the formation of Community Strong Australia on Thursday, saying the party would support community-backed candidates in both the House of Representatives and Senate while promoting integrity, climate action, economic prosperity and evidence-based policymaking.
The move marks a significant evolution for the Teal movement, which has built its success on candidates campaigning as community independents rather than members of a political party.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.An application has already been lodged with the Australian Electoral Commission to register Community Strong Australia, with official registration expected by October.
The party said registration would allow it to endorse Senate candidates and expand the community-led model into more electorates across Australia.
“The community independent movement has shown what’s possible when people unite around shared values and practical solutions. Community Strong Australia is about extending that opportunity to more Australians,” Ms Steggall said.
“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. We invite everyone who shares those values to join us.”
Wentworth MP Allegra Spender said the new party had been established in response to growing dissatisfaction with Australia’s political system.
“Too many Australians feel politics is dominated by career politicians who don’t listen to them,” Ms Spender said.
“Australians deserves a positive, responsible alternative. They deserve representatives who can bring real-world experience to parliament. They want a new political organisation that can bring people together and give communities the power to shape their own future.”
Community Strong Australia said it would continue the principles that have underpinned the community independent movement, including accountability, practical problem-solving and local representation, while allowing elected representatives to retain a free vote and remain primarily accountable to their constituents.
The announcement also comes as political fragmentation continues to reshape the federal landscape, with independents and minor parties holding an increasingly influential position in Parliament.
Ms Steggall said the new organisation aimed to offer a constructive alternative at a time of rising political division.
“At a time when others are promoting conflict and hate, I feel a strong sense of responsibility to provide a real political alternative and promote a positive narrative about what Australia is and what we can achieve together,” she said.
Ms Spender said the party would focus on rebuilding trust through community participation and practical policy solutions.
“Our country’s success wasn’t built on complaining or fighting each other. It was built on the common good of hard work, tolerance, shared identity and purpose,” she said.
“It was built from communities up – and that is where politics needs to return.”
More to come...
