Turbo charging the movement’s networking, collaboration and sharing, this Convention is a must-attend event for community leaders, volunteers and anyone passionate about harnessing the collective power of communities to create a better future for Australia.
Hear from our Community Independent MPs and Senator about how they are changing Australian politics, actively engaging with their communities and championing critical issues from tax reform, cost of living and housing affordability to integrity and climate action. Gain invaluable insights, practical tips and expert advice from a stellar lineup of community leaders, campaign experts, thought leaders and key organizations as we prepare for the upcoming federal election.
Main session details
Featuring all the Community Independent MPs and Senator, leading experts and community leaders. These main sessions will be recorded and available following the Convention.
Allegra Spender MP, Zali Steggall OAM MP and Kate Chaney MP will set the scene for the day, sharing insights on what people powered pollitics means and how they are working with their communities to champion critical issues from tax reform, cost of living and housing affordability to electoral reform, truth in political advertising, integrity and climate action.
Join Dr Sophie Scamps MP and Kylea Tink MP to learn about the power of bringing people into their democracy via citizens assemblies. Hear how randomly selected, representative cross sections of citizens in Mackellar and North Sydney participated in facilitated processes to come to a consensus on solutions to one of our biggest national intergenerational problems: the housing affordability crisis.
Proactively collaborating with community to understand issues and find solutions has added complexity in rural and regional electorates due to great distances, geographical challenges, numerous and diverse population centres and poor connectivity. Alex Dyson, 2022 candidate for Wannon, and Suzie Holt, 2022 candidate for Groom, join Helen Haines MP to discuss how they connect with community in vast electorates.
In the lead-up to the last Election thousands of people took the bold step of donning a campaign t-shirt, pounding the pavement, waving banners, door knocking and working election booths. Join Ella Finlay in conversation with Conal Feehely and Joyce Yuan, sharing how they are keeping the flame alive, enlisting new volunteers, and engaging their local communities in democracy.
Sue Barrett in discussion with Monique Ryan MP and Senator David Pocock, exploring the impact of having a strong independent voice in the Senate, how this has reinvigorated the Senate and forced doing politics differently, as well as how the Community Independent MPs are working with the Senate.
Tina Jackson in discussion with Brook Turner and Alana Johnson. As narrators of the movement, the panel will share insights on what we have learnt from the past and reflect on the future. They’ll explore what we mean by the Community Independents ‘movement’, its activities and diversity, as well as the importance of story in capturing the past and shaping the future.
When problems seem insurmountable, corruption is brewing or the national debate hots up on a key issue, satirists, commentators and comedians use creativity to reach new audiences. From the quintessential newspaper cartoon to a new generation of social influencers, humour carries enormous people power to increase participation in democracy, convey key messages and provide much needed relief.
Zoe Daniel MP and Richard Denniss will discuss the new political landscape with the rise of the Community Independents and how people-driven politics requires new ways of thinking about power, and a new language. Terms like "safe seat”, “hung Parliament”, “two party preferred” are no longer appropriate. A groundbreaking and fascinating topic.
Conversation Sessions
Small group sessions giving you the opportunity to meet and hear from community leaders, campaign experts and key organisations. A 15 minute introduction from the speakers will be followed by 25 minutes of direct Q&A with the audience.
What Convention attendees said…
“Thank you for organising such an impressive Convention! Our new female independent MPs are just outstanding! Movers and shakers in the truest sense of the words. It was great to share experiences and stories and to learn from other groups across the country.” Nicole Gale
“This gig is one of the most awesome, powerful and well organised I’ve ever attended - grateful, thanks you amazing team!” Pennie Scott
“Great weekend of sharing knowledge, in-sighting hope and harnessing People Power. Congratulations & thank you.” Tess Egan
“What is happening in Australian politics today is the most important and hopeful social experiment in democracy happening in the world at the moment, and unless we recognise that, we are going to lose it”. Tim Dunlop
“People, passion, renewal, generosity, hope, trust, laughter, tears (joy) fun, refreshing, inspiring. Thank you for investing in us.” @calsaff
“THANK YOU ALL - Zoe, Kate, Mon, Kylea, Sophie, Allegra, how lucky are we to have you in our world, in our country - totally inspiring! Cathy McGowan goes without saying you are the most amazing catalyst for the greater good. Thank you will never be enough.” Jacqueline M
“Such a fabulous Convention - thank you to all for making it happen #empoweredcommunities are on the rise - positive change is happening and its so refreshing & uplifting to be involved.” Rebecca Clarke