New political party breaks into the scene in Australia

Two prominent teal MPs have unveiled a new political party they say will fill a need for voters who feel “politically homeless”.

Warringah MP Zali Steggall and Wentworth MP Allegra Spender announced the formation of Community Strong Australia on Thursday.

They have lodged an application with the Australian Electoral Commission to register as a political party, which is expected to be finalised by October.

The announcement ends weeks of anticipation with the pair previously speculating about independent MPs linking up in a new party, partly in response to the bipartisan election funding reforms that parliament approved last year.

Spender told reporters this morning she has been approached by voters seeking something different since the federal election last year.

“I think this is an opportunity to make a real difference,” she said.

The new party will support “community-backed candidates” in both houses of parliament who share a commitment to integrity, climate action, economic prosperity, practical solutions and genuine engagement with the people they represent.

“It’s an exciting day because this I hope marks a new era of Australian politics, where we focus on communities, we give them a voice and a clear seat at the table,” Steggall told reporters.

“I have a deep anxiety about what some of the rhetoric that we’ve heard recently, and the polarisation in our politics, and the rise of the far right, where there are some who seek to divide us, blame others for problems that too many have contributed to. I want to bring Australia together.”

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New party but no leader

Community Strong Australia will operate differently from traditional parties and will have no leader.

In the event the party gains 10 members, a three-leader system will be triggered.

Members will also have a free vote in parliament and will not have to vote along a party line. That will change if the party grows to have enough numbers to offer supply or confidence to a major party.

Steggall and Spender said they would not actively campaign against their fellow teals and independents.

They would also not put up a candidate in every seat at the next election.

Fellow teals may join

Steggall and Spender’s fellow teal MPs Monique Ryan,Helen Hayes and Kate Chaney said they would stand by their commitment to remain independent and would not join the party.

Independent MP David Pocock also ruled out getting involved.

Teal independent MPs Sophie Scamps and Nicolette Boele are speaking with their respective electorates and weighing up whether to join.

“For now, I am remaining independent. That is the mandate Bradfield gave me, and any decision to change that belongs to my community, not to a press conference,” Boele said.

“I am still working through what this party would allow me to do for the people I represent that I cannot already do as a community independent — and until I am certain, I will not pretend otherwise.”