The Local Network

The Local Network, formerly known as The Local Party of Australia, is an Australian political party.[1] The party was founded in 2021 and is mainly active in the state of Tasmania, but does have a presence in South Australia.[1][2]

The Local Network
FoundersAnna Bateman
Craig Garland
Leanne Minshull
Founded18 March 2021
Registered9 March 2022
Headquarters680 Huon Rd
Fern Tree, Tasmania
IdeologyHyperlocalism

History

The party was founded by former Jacqui Lambie staffer Anna Bateman, Leanne Minshull from The Australia Institute think tank, and fisherman Craig Garland, who ran for the senate as an independent at the 2019 federal election.[1] The party focuses on hyper-local issues, and aims to hold citizens assemblies to develop policies.[1] The party was formally registered with the Australian Electoral Commission on 9 March 2022.[3]

Ahead of the 2022 federal election, the party was endorsed by 3 trade unions, including 2 who are affiliated with the Labor Party.[4]

The party contested the lower house seats of Braddon and Franklin, receiving 1.02% and 4.96% of the vote respectively.[5][6] In the senate, they had 1.44% of the vote in Tasmania. In SA, veterans advocate Julie-Ann Finney led the ticket, which received 0.21% of the vote.[2]

Climate 200, which supported the campaigns of a number of teal independents, also supported the party's senate campaign.[7]

In May 2023, the party was renamed to The Local Network and applied to the Australian Electoral Commission and Tasmanian Electoral Commission to have the name formally changed.[8]

The party has been criticised by psephologist Kevin Bonham for describing its candidates as independents.[9]

References
  1. "Tasmania's newest political party. Local Party - ready to make waves". The Mercury.
  2. "Veterans advocate Julie-Ann Finney sets her sights on the Senate". ABC RN.
  3. "Register of political parties". Australian Electoral Commission.
  4. Baker, Emily. "Trade unions back Local Party's Leanne Minshull for Senate, in break with tradition". ABC News.
  5. Braddon, TAS, 2022 Tally Room, Australian Electoral Commission.
  6. Franklin, TAS, 2022 Tally Room, Australian Electoral Commission.
  7. Denholm, Matthew. "CFMEU paid $100,000 for climate-focused party's election ads". The Australian.
  8. "REGISTER OF POLITICAL PARTIES" (PDF). Australian Electoral Commission.
  9. "Tasmanian House of Representatives Seats Guide (2022)". Dr Kevin Bonham.
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