Watch out traditional party politics, independent candidates are on the rise and making waves. This change is fundamentally reshaping the Australian political context. The Australian Parliament’s lower House of Representatives has 13 independents. At the same time, the upper house is the regular home to four independents. This growing presence of independents reflects voter dissatisfaction with major parties and signals a potential realignment in the nation’s political dynamics.
Australian Senator David Pocock’s political activism hasn’t stopped with the election of more independent candidates. He even covers the costs of his travels to help build competitive campaigns, like Caz Heise’s. His work serves to highlight an exciting and expanding movement. Despite the risks of working together, independents are making the decision to band together and work to support each other. Mark Riboldi, political scientist at the University of Technology Sydney, cautions that working together does not make independents a party. At the same time, Mark Kenny cautions against the folly of pretending to be one.
Independent hopeful Alex Dyson received ringing endorsements from independent MP Helen Haines at a campaign launch. This endorsement further emphasizes the strength of the independent movement. Senator Pocock has raised concerns about upcoming electoral reforms, arguing that this could be the last election allowing new independent candidates to compete without facing increased challenges from major parties.
Rising Popularity of Independents
The increase in independent candidates may be seen as a sign of a deeper change in the electoral mood. Ordinary Australians are getting sick of being sold out by the big parties and are looking for fresh, independent voices to stand up for them. In reality, YouGov polling indicates that the independent share of the Australian vote is headed much higher. It’s expected to increase from 5.3 percent in the most recent federal election to 8.3 percent by 2025. This increasing support for independents points to a larger movement to diversify the ways in which people are represented in government.
Independent Member for Kooyong, Monique Ryan is living proof of this trend. She received guidance from Cathy McGowan—described as “a bit of a godmother to the independent movement”—when she first ran for office. Ryan’s success story demonstrates how independents can draw on community support and mentorship to navigate the complexities of political campaigns.
Mark Riboldi’s research sheds light on the behavior of “teal” independents, who engage in “party-like” activities while maintaining their independence. Climate 200 has played a critical role in helping these candidates to victory. It provides the same kind of coordination and resources that a real party delivers. Riboldi insists that all of this doesn’t amount to an outright creation of a party.
The Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Though the independent movement has certainly gained ground, there is much work left to do. In the Australian Senate, Senator Pocock is unapologetically alarmed by proposed electoral reforms. He thinks these changes could make those reforms more advantageous to the major parties. These changes would limit access for independent candidates for the benefit of the emerging new defaults. Pocock and advocates argue that it’s critical for the ACT to retain an independent voice in the Senate.
“My focus is on fighting to keep an independent voice in the Senate for the ACT and maximising support for these new candidates so they have the best chance to represent their communities.” – David Pocock
In Cowper, candidate selection processes vary widely. Some of these candidates, like Caz Heise, emerge from these community- and engagement-focused approaches, while others are deeply selected by local acolytes. Former student president Alex Dyson calls out this stark disparity, and importantly, how different mindsets can shape the look and feel of a positive or independent campaign.
“In Cowper, I know that Caz Heise was selected as the candidate following quite a deeply, community-engaged process, but there are other independent candidates who are hand-picked by small groups of local, rich people.” – Alex Dyson
Even with these challenges, Senator Pocock is hopeful about the future of community-backed independents. And he says they have a real chance of winning seats in this fall’s election.
“There is a new wave of community-backed independents who have a real shot at winning a seat at the next election.” – David Pocock
The Role of Collaboration and Support
Independents’ collaboration with each other is proving to be one of the most potent tools in their campaign arsenals. Helen Haines’ support for Alex Dyson provides another example of the camaraderie and friendship that’s developed within the wider independent movement. These types of alliances come with a wealth of knowledge and resources that can supercharge campaign strategy and voter outreach efforts.
“Helen Haines, who is current incumbent in Indi, offered a bit of advice about how to set up an electorate office.” – Monique Ryan
Beyond these races specifically, Climate 200’s involvement highlights the power of coordinated efforts among independents. They provide the money, research, and marketing support that candidates can’t afford themselves as individuals.
“They offer a coordinated funding mechanism through donations to a central place and then they distribute it, they have access to research, polling, marketing, communications that individual candidates wouldn’t be able to afford on their own.” – Greg Wall
Independents ride a wave of success in Australian politics. Beyond their artistic activism, their collaborative approach offers a template of how to cultivate inclusive representation.
