Welcome to Compassion in Politics Australia

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A new grassroots campaign will shortly be launched calling for a return to decency, respect and compassion in Australian politics, values many feel have been missing for too long.

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The Compassion in Politics Australia campaign is part of a growing, people-powered movement that began in the UK and is now gaining momentum around the world. But the message is being made clear: this campaign is being built by and for Australians, shaped by the unique challenges and values of our own political landscape.

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“Politics in this country has become too toxic, too adversarial, and too out of touch,” said Jonathan Granger, Communications Director, Compassion in Politics Australia. “We want to see leaders who listen, who lead with empathy, and who remember that public service should be about the public—not point-scoring.”

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At the heart of the campaign is the Civility Pledge—a simple but powerful commitment for politicians and candidates to act with honesty, respect and compassion in their public life. The pledge is already being circulated among MPs and political figures from across the spectrum, with the goal of bringing a more respectful and cooperative tone to Australian politics.

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Backed by a network of volunteers and experts, the campaign will also roll out community outreach, policy discussions, and public forums, giving everyday Australians the tools to engage with politics in a way that reflects our shared values.

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“People are fed up with the shouting matches, the bullying, and the political theatre,” said Tom Burgess, International Director of Compassion in Politics. “What we’ve seen in the UK—and what’s clearly true in Australia—is that voters want something different. This is about offering a better way.”

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While inspired by international efforts, the Australian arm of the movement is locally led, locally informed, and focused entirely on what will work for Australians. Emily Williams, Outreach Director said “We’re not interested in importing anything wholesale. This is about championing the best of Aussie values—freedom, respect, fairness and equality of opportunity. That’s the politics we believe in, and that’s the politics we’re working to build.”

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If you are interested, sign up now, below and we will keep you posted