Simon Holmes à Court addresses Newcastle supporters on community‑independents movement

Founder of Climate 200, Simon Holmes à Court visited Newcastle to meet supporters and discuss the expanding community‑independents movement. He highlighted recent policy wins on climate action, anti‑corruption measures and gender‑equity, and stressed that the visit was not a recruitment drive for the upcoming state election. Holmes praised Newcastle’s transition from the world’s largest coal port to a clean‑energy, technology and cultural hub.

Climate 200 co‑convenor Kate Hook also attended, explaining the movement’s model of community‑focused independents who answer only to local voters, not party hierarchies. The group, with about 500 supporters in the Hunter region, has backed 16 community independents such as David Pocock, Sophie Scamps and Helen Haines, supported 35 candidates in the May federal election, and is planning for the 2028 poll. Holmes said similar groups are forming across Australia, aiming to reshape politics by giving voters alternatives to major parties.