“The things that matter most to us - families, neighbourhoods, caring for others, voluntary activity, self-development and the character of people, local economies, local communities - are the things that matter least to our politicians.

“Political parties of both Right and Left have ignored social relationships for a century in their obsession with the market and the state. Neo-liberalism on the Right (the rule of the market) and managerialism on the Left (the rule of bureaucracy) have dominated politics.

“Together they have corroded society, undermined personal and social responsibility, weakened community, and turned unique individuals into clients, beneficiaries, customers and labourers, detached from their relationships and communities.

“Social relationships - not the market, or the state - should be the prism through which we assess policy. This is common sense. This is the Australian tradition. Neither Left nor Right. We warmly invite you to join us.

“With a federal election looming, this is the year for change and we urge all interested people to join forces with us.”