A grassroots group is beginning the process of selecting a community-backed independent candidate to contest the federal seat of Canberra at the 2028 election.

Voices of Canberra formally launched the search at an event on Sunday, following months of community consultation across the electorate.

Canberra has been held continuously by Labor since 1996 and by backbencher Alicia Payne since May 2019.

Independent Claire Miles stood in the seat in the 2025 election and is already campaigning for the next federal election.

Voices of Canberra says it has been running listening posts, attending local events and surveying residents to better understand key issues and expectations of federal representation.

The launch featured ACT independent senator David Pocock and former Bean candidate Jessie Price.

“We’ve seen what independent representation in the Senate can deliver for our community here in the ACT, from more investment in aged care and housing to increased integrity and accountability,” said spokesperson Jess LeWatt.

“People across Canberra are telling us they want a federal representative who won’t just roll out the caucus talking points but will stand up and champion the issues they care about.”

The group is modelling its approach on earlier community-backed campaigns, including the one that led to Senator Pocock’s election in 2022.

It plans to identify and endorse a candidate by early 2027, allowing time to campaign ahead of the next federal poll. The group also pointed to electoral donation laws as a factor favouring early preparation.

Senator Pocock told the event Canberra could no longer be considered a safe seat.

“People in our community want political representatives who will put them ahead of party lines and loyalties,” he said.

“We need courage and ambition to tackle the huge challenges we face from housing and homelessness to climate change.”

Ms Price said her experience running as a community-backed candidate highlighted the strength of local engagement.

“It’s the diversity, the passion and the connection in our local community that will change the way politics is undertaken here in the ACT and nationally,” she said.