Democrats stage federal political comeback

Their famous slogan to "keep the bastards honest" might be gone, but the Australian Democrats are promising to "walk the talk" as they mount a political comeback.

The resurrected party has been registered just in time to contest the upcoming election, after losing its status in 2015 due to declining numbers.

Party president Elisa Resce said people from the left and right of the political spectrum had jumped on board, fed up with the infighting and game-playing of the major parties.

"They want to see change," she said.

The Australian Democrats plan to run a field of candidates at the election, campaigning on a platform of energy, climate and political accountability.