What is a Community Independent?

What is a community independent?

A community-independent politician is selected and endorsed by a community-led grassroots process. 'Voices of' groups usually start the movement, listening first and then selecting a person to represent community views.

As well as not being members of political parties, community independents lead by the values embodied in the Community Independents Project way of 'doing politics differently.' They are elected to represent their community and make decisions based on the needs and priorities of the people they serve, rather than vested interests or a party platform.

The community independents movement grew from Voices for Indi in 2013 when Cathy McGowan was elected as the Federal MP for Indi. Many of the so-called 'Teals' are community independents. Other examples include Dr Helen Haines (Federal MP for Indi) and David Pocock (Federal Senator for the ACT).

Aren't all community independents 'Teals'?

No.

Cathy McGowan, the first community independent (Indi), is not a Teal. Neither is Helen Haines (current Federal MP for Indi). Neither was Alex Dyson who stood for the federal seat of Wannon nor Michelle Milthorpe who stood in Farrer.

The term 'Teal' is a media term, and has been commonly used to describe community independent politicians in urban electorates previously held by the Liberals. It is not necessarily a term those representatives would use for themselves. While each candidate develops their own approach and platform based on what their community needs, they often share core values relating to climate, integrity, and gender equity.

Examples of Teals include Monique Ryan (Federal MP for Kooyong), Zoe Daniel (previous member for Goldstein), Allegra Spender (Federal MP for Wentworth), Zali Stegall (Federal MP for Warringah) and Kate Chaney (Federal MP for Curtin).

At this point it is true that all so-called 'Teals' are community independents but not all community independents are Teals.

While I do not identify as a 'Teal', I recognise the good work that many elected so-called 'Teal' representatives are doing for their own communities. I also share a commitment to action on climate, integrity in politics, equity, and 'doing politics differently.'

What is the difference between an 'independent' and a 'community independent'?

An 'independent' is any candidate who is not a member of a political party.

A 'community independent' goes a step further. They are chosen and backed by local people, not a party machine. Their priorities are shaped through community listening and consultation, and they are accountable first and foremost to the people they represent.

That means no party bosses, no factional deals, and no party line to follow. Every vote is made on its merits, based on what is best for the community.

For me, being a community independent means listening first, making evidence based decisions, being transparent about how I make them, and always putting Footscray before politics. That approach reflects both the values of the community independent movement and the priorities identified through Voices of the Inner West's community listening process.

Voices of the Inner West's community listening process

I have been endorsed as a community independent candidate by Voices of the Inner West. My position on state policy for the Inner West comes from listening to this community and from evidence, not from a party line handed down from above.

A community-led vision for the future of Footscray is reflected in my policy platform, which was shaped by a community listening process and guided by five commitments: listening first; evidence-based decisions; representation that reflects our community; integrity and transparency; and long-term thinking for young people and future generations.

A summary of the community listening findings can be found in Voices of the Inner West's Community Listening Report.

If you are interested in learning more about Voices of the Inner West, including how to get involved in grassroots politics, I encourage you to take a look at their website, and register your interest.