Community Independents movement

The Community Independents movement is a growing, people-powered movement that is changing the face of Australian politics by putting people, not political parties, at the heart of our democracy. The seed was planted in 2013 with the formation of Voices for Indi. There are now Community Electorate Groups (with a variety of names including ‘Voices of’) in over 50 electorates across the country - that’s more than 1 in every 3 electorates!

The process always starts locally (read more here). Engaged locals form a Community Electorate Group listening to people in their communities to identify shared values and key issues and inviting others to join and be part of it. The Group may decide to search for a Community Independent Candidate who will represent their values and advocate on key issues. This grassroots process builds the trust, connection and momentum that forms the foundation of a strong campaign once a candidate is found. It is why Community Independent MPs and Candidates have hundreds and sometimes even thousands, of local volunteers.

In some electorates there may be more than one group, for example one focused on community listening work, another on building a volunteer base and looking for a candidate. Another organisation may be formed to run a campaign.

This is how real change begins: by listening, by building, and by acting together.