The Independents for Canberra group has announced its registration as a political party to contest the October Assembly election.

Party secretary and likely Kurrajong candidate Thomas Emerson said the registration had been confirmed by the deputy electoral commissioner in a notice listed on the ACT Legislation Register. Former Liberal insider Clare Carnell is its registered officer. 

“We’re excited to level the playing field for independents, who have been disadvantaged by an electoral system that clearly favours the major parties,” said Emerson. 

“The registration of Independents for Canberra as a party will give community independents their own column on the ballot paper. History shows it’s almost impossible to get elected in the ACT’s Hare-Clark system without your own column.” 

He said dozens of locals had contacted Independents for Canberra to express an interest in running in every electorate as candidates. 

The group will undertake a candidate endorsement process over the coming months with candidates to be announced in the middle of the year.