Zali Steggall And Allegra Spender Expand Teal Movement With New Political Party

Teal independent MPs Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have launched a new political party, Community Strong Australia, positioning it as a centrist alternative aimed at contesting both major parties and expanding the community independent movement into a formal party structure.

The announcement was made on 24 June 2026, with the new party registered with the Australian Electoral Commission. The party will seek to field candidates in both the House of Representatives and the Senate and is awaiting formal approval to operate as a registered party.

Steggall said the party was designed to reflect what she described as a need for “reason over rage”, outlining policy priorities including climate action, economic management, integrity, equality and social cohesion. She said the structure was intended to support “community-backed candidates” and strengthen representation for voters who feel disconnected from traditional party structures.

Spender said the initiative was aimed at providing an alternative for voters frustrated with existing political options. “A lot of people feel politically homeless right now and very frustrated with the major parties’ ability to listen and deliver,” she said.

“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,” she said.

The party’s constitution allows elected members to vote independently on most issues while requiring adherence to agreed core policy principles. It also establishes a collective leadership model, with no single party leader appointed.

Registration documents indicate Community Strong Australia will be funded through grassroots donations and will not rely on existing political fundraising organisations.

The launch comes amid wider discussion among crossbench MPs about forming more coordinated structures, although several independents have confirmed they will not join the new party. These include Monique Ryan and Kate Chaney. Other independents, including Sophie Scamps and Nicolette Boele, have reportedly indicated interest in the concept but have not made formal commitments.

Zali Steggall has been the independent member for Warringah since the 2019 Australian federal election when she defeated the incumbent, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Allegra Spender is currently the member of parliament for Wentworth, having originally won the seat at the 2022 federal election.

The party will need to meet membership and compliance requirements before contesting future elections as a registered minor party. Following approval, it is expected to begin recruiting candidates across multiple electorates and Senate tickets.

Steggall and Spender said the initiative is intended to build on the existing community independent movement rather than replace it, with an emphasis on expanding participation through locally backed candidates and issue-based policy development.