Community independents as the next opposition

May 18, 2026

Kos Samaras’ description of migrant family situations taught me, a fifth generation Australian, much.

I also saw from a new angle what I’ve known for a long time: career politicians via family connections, party think tanks, or volunteering/staffing from a young age, are less than they could and should be because of their narrow experience.

However, I challenge the idea that PHON is the Opposition of the future. Parties are not required by the constitution. Why not a coalition or consensus of Community Independents? They, along with the cross bench, were the effective opposition in the 47th Parliament, not that political commentators bothered to look. Opposition is harder now with Labor’s unhealthy majority in the House. But Labor will lose seats in 2028. There are many CIs waiting in the wings. They’ve already won their first ‘vote’ in their electorate by responding to ads placed by a Voices-of group and getting through the selection process. They are people who do have broad work and life experience, and have broad consensus on climate, integrity-transparency, and respect for women. Shared values make formal Opposition possible for them. I hope to live long enough to experience it. Government will take a little longer!