FAQs
Is proACT a political party?
No, we are not a political party - we are a community organisation. We are a group of ACT locals who want to see politics done differently and are doing what we can to make that happen.
Will proACT promote independent candidates for the Federal election in the ACT?
proACT has endorsed David Pocock as its preferred Independent candidate for the Senate in the past two Federal elections (2022 and 2025). David was chosen after going through a thorough selection process prior to being endorsed in 2022. Prior to the 2025 election proACT surveyed its supporters to see whether they wanted to undertake another selection process. The overwhelming response was to re-endorse David, which proACT did.
In the House of Representatives, proACT is supporting electorate based community groups who have endorsed community-backed Independent candidates - Voices of Bean, Jessie Price - or are in the processing of building a community group and undertaking a selection process for a community-backed candidate to represent their electorate - Voices of Canberra, Voices of Belconnen and Gungahlin (electorate of Fenner).
proACT is advising, mentoring and coordinating the efforts of these groups, but has no involvement in the day-to-day to running or decision making of these groups. proACT may also play a similar role at the next ACT election for community-backed independents.
Is proACT linked to Voices of Bean, Voices of Canberra or Voices of Belconnen and Gungahlin
proACT was inspired by the community groundswell which supported independent candidates in the 2019 Federal election but have forged our own path.
Given proACT’s success in providing a platform for David Pocock’s 2022 Senate campaign, proACT has taken on an advisory / supporting role for the other community-based groups seeking to support Independent candidates in the lower house electorates in the ACT.
proACT is supporting electorate based community groups in all three ACT Federal electorates - Voices of Bean (and Jessie Price their endorsed candidate), Voices of Canberra, Voices of Belconnen and Gungahlin (electorate of Fenner).
proACT is advising, mentoring and coordinating the efforts of these groups, but has no involvement in the day-to-day to running or decision making role in any of them.
We see ourselves as having valuable experience that can be shared about how best to mobilise people who want more from their politicians, who want better rpresentation for their community, and how that group can find and select the candiate who can be best represent the whole community.
I’m a public servant, can I get involved?
Yes, you can! Section 6 of the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct makes it clear that as a public servant you are also a citizen and member of the community. proACT is a community organisation and being in Canberra, of course we already have a number of public servants involved! Within certain limitations, public servants are allowed to make public comments and to participate in political activities, including joining a party.
Depending on the nature of your public service role, there may be possible perceptions of conflict of interest or partiality to be considered. So, while everyone is able to be actively involved in proACT and efforts towards an Independent Senator for the ACT, if a quieter behind-the-scenes role would be more appropriate for you, there are many important contributions you can still make. And we’re always happy to talk it through with you.
I’m a member of a political party,
can I get involved?
Yes! Please do. proACT is open to anyone in the ACT who wants to see politics done differently and who is committed to proACT’s principles and values.
Is proACT an incorporated association?
Yes. We are an incorporated association in the ACT, as ‘pro the Australian Capital Territory’. Our objects and purpose are to:
enrich political engagement in the ACT
help build an active democracy in the ACT based upon civic engagement, respect and exchange of ideas
nurture leadership that represents and delivers for the people of the ACT.
Who funds proACT?
You can! We are funded by donations from individuals who support what we are trying to do. Donations have ranged from $5 to $250.