[4][5] The party was formed in Sydney on 17 February 1953 by a group who had organised the campaign of independent candidate Martin Hardie at the 1952 Bradfield by-election.
[9] The party endorsed public health administrator Raphael Cilento (of the IDP) as its lead candidate in Queensland.
[12] Shortly after, the party opened nominations for candidates for the next federal election.
[13] The party endorsed Thomas Brosnan as its candidate for the 1953 Lang by-election.
[14] Following the by-election, several members of the party's New South Wales executive resigned, including organising secretary Douglas Maxwell in October 1953.