Former independent MPs Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender have announced the formation of their new political party, Community Strong Australia, kicking off a 100-day consultation period.

Community independents have always displayed some features and shared some benefits of political parties, while remaining distinct. These candidates have shared expertise, branding, and endorsed one another — all while maintaining their own independence and local organisations. They have also often held a unified position on key issues.

Community Strong’s constitution formalises this “party-like” organisation, eschewing leadership and formal grassroots members. So far, Steggall and Spender are the only teals to have joined the party.

Unlike most parties in Australia, Community Strong MPs will be able to vote freely on all issues except confidence and supply. Although unusual in Australian politics, which has notably strict party discipline, this sort of freedom is not unheard of in other jurisdictions. Endorsed candidates will share a set of core values, similar to existing requirements Climate 200 has for candidates they contribute funds to.

More unusual is the proposed leadership.

The party’s constitution revolves around parliamentarians and candidates as the key decision-makers, omitting centralised bureaucratic party leadership.

Parliamentarians and candidates will be the “voting members” of the party, endorsing any new members and providing collective leadership. Key decisions will be made through supermajority........

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