Story perspectives

New Centrist Party Community Strong Australia Targets Registration

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender launched Community Strong Australia, a centrist party that aims for Australian Electoral Commission registration by October.
The party’s constitution removes a single leader, creates collective parliamentary leadership and allows members to vote freely on legislation.
Community Strong Australia will focus on housing affordability, cost of living, climate action, childcare, education, healthcare and social cohesion.
The party needs at least three more MPs for minority status.

History

Historical Context

In 1977 former Liberal minister Don Chipp formed the Australian Democrats from the Australia Party and New Liberal Movement to balance power between the major parties. The party won five Senate seats in the 1980 election and later held nine of 76 seats, influencing legislation from the centre. Today Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender’s Community Strong Australia seeks AEC registration, echoing the Democrats’ balance-of-power role.

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Story summary

Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender launched Community Strong Australia, a centrist party that aims for Australian Electoral Commission registration by October.
The party’s constitution removes a single leader, creates collective parliamentary leadership and allows members to vote freely on legislation.
Community Strong Australia will focus on housing affordability, cost of living, climate action, childcare, education, healthcare and social cohesion.
The party needs at least three more MPs for minority status.

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