Over six years ago, a group of us proposed a new kind of political party — one that guaranteed its elected members would vote in Parliament according to the wishes of their local communities.
This “umbrella party for independents,” called Independents CAN (historically born from Climate Action Now and Independents for Climate Action Now), was designed to protect what Australians value about true independent representation — local accountability, community-chosen candidates, and freedom from rigid party ideology — while delivering the benefits of coordinated influence in Parliament.
Despite its promise, the idea was rejected by some as incompatible with the identity of being an “independent.” But with another election behind us, and many talented independent candidates again falling short of real parliamentary power, it’s time to revisit this idea with fresh eyes.
To win influence, we need scale. And to gain scale, we need structure.
A party of independents — one that is accountable to communities, free from dogma, and committed to fairness, integrity and evidence-based policy — could provide a home for many including disaffected Liberal voters, unrepresented centrists, and Australians tired of ideological trench warfare.
Such a party could:
- Let members vote against the party line if it conflicts with their electorate.
Offer a national platform as a shared values base, not a rigid doctrine.
Contest Senate seats — a coordinated centrist ticket with just 9% of the vote could elect a senator in every state.
It would be unlike anything Australia has seen — and exactly what many voters are crying out for.
The Liberal Party is no longer a reliable home for moderates. Labor remains structurally tied to union interests. Minor parties are too narrow or extreme. The vacuum in the centre of Australian politics is real — and dangerous.
The idea of building a party that reflects the evolving centre is not utopian. It’s practical. It’s what most Australians want: good governance, accountability, and honest leadership.
Here’s how such a party might position itself — not as left or right, but as a coalition of common sense:
Economic Fairness
Electrify our energy system — cheaper and cleaner. (Centre-left)
Reform capital gains and negative gearing. (Left)
Break up monopolies to restore consumer choice. (Left)
Balance the budget without gutting health and education. (Centre)
Secure & Orderly Migration
- Strong borders with no return to people smuggling. (Right)
Immigration that earns and retains social licence. (Centre-right)
Shared values and behavioural expectations for new Australians. (Right)
Governance & Integrity
- Enforce public obligations on private sector operators of public asset like airports etc. (Left)
Promote free speech and tolerance. (Right)
Restore law and order and respect for institutions. (Right)
Prioritise integrity — politicians who serve people, not donors. (Centre-left)
The common thread? These are positions held by many Australians, not all, and we respect that! They’re not ideological extremes — just practical, evidence-based solutions. By adopting the best ideas from across the spectrum, this party would naturally land in the centre.
To those who ask if a party of independents is even possible, consider this:
Denmark’s The Alternative
Founded in 2013, The Alternative (*Alternativet*) engages voters through “political laboratories” — forums for shaping policy collaboratively. MPs aren’t bound by a party whip but guided by community consensus. They’ve shown structure and independence can coexist.
We have just three years to prepare. Let’s not waste it by clinging to purity or rejecting structure. It’s time for many of us to come together — not to conform, but to collaborate.
Let’s build it now and electrify the nation in more ways than one!
Oliver Yates is a clean energy specialist and an original Teal for 2019 Kooyong campaign.
