How did it start? Several people from the Inner North Action Group attended the Community Independents Project 2025 Conference and were inspired by the quality of the conversation and the opportunities for change. A couple of those people talked to friends and local community groups resulting in several people deciding that the only way forward was to take the first step. Thus Cooper Listening Post was conceived in December 2025.
Is it a political party?. No, Copper Listening Post is a community organisation that seeks to listed to the people of the Federal electorate of Cooper, and overlapping state and local governments areas to find out more about the issues facing them and the difficulty in getting their views heard. As a group they may decide to advocate to current MP’s, influence upcoming candidates, or seek and support a Community Independent Candidate to represent them. Cooper Listening Post will remain at arms length to all candidates, including a Community Independent Candidate.
What are community independent candidates? These are people who decide to stand for public office who pledge their allegiance to their electorate, not a political party or grouping. Some have been called “Teals” by the media because of the colour of their t shirts, but there are many other colours. Their policies and voting patterns vary a lot because their communities are all different.
Are all independent candidates Community Independents? No, some are individuals who decide to run for office without broad-based community consultation and support.
