Community Independents’ Impact
Across Australia, Community Independents are proving that you don’t need a party line to deliver results. They answer to their community—not to party bosses or big donors.
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Here are just a few examples of many results delivered by Community Independents across Australia.
NACC: The National Anti-Corruption Commission
Who: Community Independent Helen Haines (Indi) & the Independent Crossbench.
Result: After years of delay by major parties, the Independents forced the establishment of a powerful, independent federal anti-corruption watchdog to investigate politicians. The NACC was established in July 2023.
Why major parties wouldn't do it: Parties are naturally resistant to oversight that might expose their own members or donors. Only an Independent has no "team" to protect and can demand total transparency.
Legislating Real Climate Targets
Who: Community Independent Zali Steggall (Warringah) & the "Teal" Independent group.
Result: Forced the government to lift the 2030 emissions reduction target to 43% and, crucially, ensured it was legislated so future governments cannot easily scrap it.
Why major parties wouldn't do it: Both major parties take millions in donations from the fossil fuel industry, leading to decades of "climate wars" and inaction. Independents are funded by the community, not the coal or gas lobby.
HECS Reform: $3 Billion Student Debt Wipe
Who: Community Independents Dr. Monique Ryan (Kooyong) & Zoe Daniel (Goldstein).
Result: Monique and Zoe played a significant, leading role in pressuring the Australian federal government to reform the Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) debt system, resulting in billions of dollars in debt relief for over 3 million Australians.
Why major parties wouldn't do it: Major parties treat student debt as a "guaranteed revenue stream." It took Independents listening to young families in their electorates to make this a national priority.
Protecting Small Businesses from Red Tape
Who: Community Independent Sophie Scamps (Mackellar) & Kylea Tink (North Sydney).
Result: Successfully negotiated crucial amendments to the 2022/2023 Fair Work legislation, securing exemptions for small businesses with fewer than 20 employees from complex, new "single-interest" multi-employer bargaining rules. This advocacy reduced administrative burdens and compliance risks for small business owners.
Why major parties wouldn't do it: Labor is often beholden to unions, and the Liberals to big-business lobby groups. Community Independents represent the "Main Street" economy—the local shops and family businesses that actually run our community.
$6.3 Billion Boost for Social Housing
Who: Community Independent David Pocock (ACT)
Result: Used his balance of power in the Senate to negotiate an extra $2 billion in immediate funding and indexed the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, ensuring more homes are built forever.
Why major parties wouldn't do it: Parties often prioritize "pork barrelling" (spending in swing seats to win votes). Independents negotiate for structural, long-term funding that benefits everyone based on need, not postcodes.
Ending "Jobs for Mates"
Who: Community Independent Sophie Scamps (Mackellar)
Result: Introduced the Ending Jobs for Mates Bill to ensure that high-paying government appointments (like ambassadorships) are based on merit rather than political loyalty.
Why major parties wouldn't do it: Both major parties use these high-paying roles as "retirement plans" or rewards for loyal party members once they leave Parliament.