Convention 2025 — Community Independents Project

This keynote opens the Convention with an insightful reflection on the courage at the heart of the Community Independents movement. From candidates and community leaders to volunteers and supporters, thousands have stepped up - many for the first time - to challenge entrenched political systems and reshape democracy.

The session explores how political courage is being redefined: not as individual dominance, but as collective action grounded in integrity, transparency, and deep community connection. It’s a celebration of courage in action - and a call to keep being the change, together.

2. Community compact: collaboration that delivers

Tina Jackson in discussion with Zali Steggall OAM MP & Helen Haines MP

This keynote opens the Convention with an insightful reflection on the courage at the heart of the Community Independents movement. From candidates and community leaders to volunteers and supporters, thousands have stepped up - many for the first time - to challenge entrenched political systems and reshape democracy.

The session explores how political courage is being redefined: not as individual dominance, but as collective action grounded in integrity, transparency, and deep community connection. It’s a celebration of courage in action - and a call to keep being the change, together.

Saturday 6 Sept 2025, 9am-5pm

3. Rising together: building People Powered Politics

Alana Johnson and Tina Jackson

In a political landscape historically dominated by party machines, the rise of Community Independents heralds a profound shift. This session explores the essence of the Community Independent movement, the growing interest, participation and engagement in people-led politics, the building of a values-led crossbench, and the pursuit of genuine representation in the Australian political system.

The session will also look at the role of the Community Independents Project (CIP) in connecting people across the movement, in providing a platform for building networks of trust, sharing and collaborating.

We will explore what it really means to Do Politics Differently, how communities are rejecting top down ‘old power’ processes and structures, and courageously changing Australian democracy from the ground up.

4. Beyond the ballot: next steps for empowered communities

Nicolette Boele MP in discussion with Anita Tang, Ellie Smith, Phil Scott

This session explores what it takes to maintain momentum and continue building the Community Independents movement between election cycles. At the heart of any thriving movement are strong, cohesive teams - groups that share values, understand local concerns, and support one another to take action with purpose and resilience.

Through practical insights and real-world examples, we’ll examine how community teams sustain energy, navigate challenges, and deepen engagement over time. From decentralised leadership and volunteer wellbeing to civic participation and creative grassroots organising, this session offers ideas for continuing the work in meaningful and lasting ways.

Participants will hear from experienced community organisers and have the opportunity to connect with others in an interactive networking activity designed to share approaches and inspire ongoing collaboration.

5. Leveraging Parliament: Tools for Impact

Cathy McGowan in conversation with Cade Smith

It’s not good enough that the system has failed us. Communities need to gain leverage into policy and government programs and rethink ‘old power’ paradigms.

This session explores how communities are using lobbying, working with peak bodies, and building alliances with crossbench MPs to turn local priorities into national action. Hear practical tips and inspiring stories from across the Community Independents movement—what works, what doesn’t, and how grassroots advocacy is driving real change. Discover how any community, with or without a Community Independent MP, can get organised, be heard, and help shape the future of Australian politics.

6. All In: people powered politics is for everyone

Alana Johnson in discussion with Caz Heise, Brent Hodgson and Michelle Lim

It’s not good enough that the system has failed us. Communities need to gain leverage into policy and government programs and rethink ‘old power’ paradigms.

This session explores how communities are using lobbying, working with peak bodies, and building alliances with crossbench MPs to turn local priorities into national action. Hear practical tips and inspiring stories from across the Community Independents movement—what works, what doesn’t, and how grassroots advocacy is driving real change. Discover how any community, with or without a Community Independent MP, can get organised, be heard, and help shape the future of Australian politics.

7. Gen Z leads: young voices reshaping our democracy

Sophie Scamps MP in discussion with Anjali Sharma, Ella Finlay, Viv Paduch

Meet the next generation of changemakers driving political engagement and action. This session spotlights Anjali Sharma (Duty of Care Bill), Ella Finlay (Wentworth) and Viv Paduch (GenZali).

Hear how young voices are stepping up - organising campaigns, leading community conversations, and redefining what political participation looks like. Join the discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing Gen Z as they take a leading role in shaping Australia’s democracy.

8. Pushback: communities combatting disinformation

Ed Coper in discussion with Kate Chaney and Richard Denniss

Disinformation is damaging trust and undermining our democracy. Independent MP Kate Chaney and economist Richard Denniss will focus on how communities can push back; discussing practical on ground actions, policy reforms, and strategies to protect the integrity of our elections.

The discussion will also spotlight the media’s role in amplifying misinformation and providing disproportionate coverage to opposition voices while sidelining the crossbench and the diverse community representatives Australians have actually elected.

9. The new news: the changing media landscape

Brent Hodgson in conversation with Monique Ryan and Hannah Ferguson

New media is how Australians—especially younger and previously unengaged voters—access information, engage with politics, and build civic awareness. In this session, Kooyong MP Monique Ryan who successfully harnesses new media, speaks with Hannah Ferguson (Cheek Media) and Zara Seidler (The Daily Aus), two leading voices in independent media.

The session will highlight how bold, accessible, and independent platforms are challenging traditional narratives, strengthening political and media literacy, and enabling more people to actively participate in democracy. The panel will unpack what’s working, what’s next, and how a new generation is transforming both journalism and civic engagement.

10. The 48th Parliament: Shifting Power

Kylea Tink in discussion with Allegra Spender & David Pocock

The new Parliament brings a shift in power, with Community Independents now operating in a landscape dominated by a single party majority. In this important closing session, Kylea Tink will explore with Senator David Pocock and Allegra Spender MP how CIs are adapting, innovating, and continuing to represent their communities—despite reduced numbers.

They’ll share how to keep issues on the agenda, hold the government to account, forge alliances across the chambers, and mobilise grassroots support when traditional power has shifted. Join us to discover what’s changing for community-led politics, where CIs can still make a real impact, and how people on the ground can help drive results in this new era.

Convention Break Outs

Community Building or Engagement

Culture Creation/Carrier

Kitchen Table Conversations

Understanding Booth Data

The Mackellar Story

NextGen stepping up

Authorised by T.Jackson, Sydney, The Community Independents Project Pty Ltd.

The Community Independents Project acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters, and community. The Community Independents Project pays respect to their cultures; and to elders past, present and emerging.