Climate 200-backed Teal MPs Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have launched a new “centrist” political party, which they say will “challenge the two-party system and give more communities a real say in Australia’s future.”
According to a joint statement from the two Sydney-based federal MPs, the new party will be called Community Strong Australia (CSA) and will focus on integrity, climate action, and economic prosperity.
“Community Strong Australia seeks to build on the principles that have driven the success of community independents: integrity, accountability, practical problem-solving and putting communities at the centre of decision-making,” the statement read.
“This chapter is not about choosing between independents and parties but combining the strengths of both.”
The MPs also expressed concern that “some political forces fuel division and push voters towards more extreme choices,” in a veiled reference to the surging conservative-leaning One Nation.
“Too many Australians feel politics is dominated by career politicians who don’t listen to them. Australians deserve a positive, responsible alternative,” Spender said.
“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.”
Not a Traditional Party
Under the party’s constitution, Spender said MPs would be free to vote on all issues rather tow the party line.In addition, CSA will not require supporters to become members to be part of the movement.
“Community will remain at the core of policy development, alongside advice from experts,” Spender said. “This movement started with the community, and that is where it will stay.”
The two MPs have lodged an application with the Australian Electoral Commission to register CSA as a political party. The process is expected to be finalised by October 2026.
The announcement of CSA’s formation comes as recent polling suggests One Nation has now overtaken Labor and the Coalition to become Australia’s most popular political force.
Talks of a Teal party began in May but several Climate 200-backed MPs ruled out joining.
Kooyong MP Monique Ryan issued a statement saying she was committed to being an independent.
“Representing the people of Kooyong in Canberra has been one of the biggest honours of my life. I will continue to do that in the capacity in which I was elected: as a community independent, voted for and answerable to the people of Kooyong,” she said.
Curtin MP Kate Chaney shared a similar stance.
“I am interested in working more collaboratively with other crossbenchers on policy—many of our communities have similar values—but right now I do not think that requires me to be a member of a political party,” she said in a statement.
