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Our History

 

Cllr Peter Harle with Founding Members L > R Colin Harrington and Alf Vella.

Formation and Early Years (1994-1995)

LCIT was formed in 1994 by Aldermen Colin Harrington and Alfred (Alf) Vella as an alternative to the major political parties and to promote the election of independent-minded candidates to Liverpool City Council . Both founding members were former Australian Labor Party (ALP) members who became disillusioned with the party’s approach to community representation and decided to offer Liverpool residents a genuine independent alternative .

The team achieved immediate success in the 1995 Council elections, with two candidates—Colin Harrington and Geoff Neville—being elected to Council, demonstrating strong community support for independent representation .

Continued Growth (1999-2003)

In the 1999 Council elections, LCIT maintained its presence with Colin Harrington being re-elected alongside new member Stephen Dobell-Brown, who served as Councillor from 1999 to 2003.

The 2003 Crisis and Administrator Period

A significant turning point came in 2003 when an Administrator was appointed by the Carr Labor Government due to a severe financial crisis at Liverpool City Council, which was then controlled by Labor. LCIT Councillors Stephen Dobell-Brown and Colin Harrington played crucial roles in exposing these financial problems to the public and media, ultimately forcing government intervention. The Administrator led Council for the following four and a half years, from 2003 to 2008.

Revival and Deputy Mayors (2008-2012)

In the 2008 elections, LCIT successfully elected Nadia Napoletano and Peter Harle to Council. Both achieved the distinction of being elected Deputy Mayor by their fellow Councillors during this term. The Council composition at this time consisted of three Independents (two from LCIT), three Liberal Party members, and five Labor Party Councillors including the Mayor.

Nadia Napoletano served as Councillor from 2008-2012 and as Deputy Mayor in 2009.

Peter Harle’s Continuing Service (2008-Present)

Peter Harle JP has been LCIT’s most enduring representative in recent decades. First elected in 2008, he has been successfully re-elected in 2012, 2016, 2021, and 2024—representing over 16 years of continuous service to Liverpool’s North Ward , . He served as Deputy Mayor in 2008-2009 and was again elected Deputy Mayor in October 2024 for the period through September 2025 .

In the 2012 election, LCIT’s President Pauline Rowe, running as the South Ward candidate, narrowly missed election.

Recent Developments (2016-2024)

At the 2016 Council Elections, Karress Rhodes JP was elected as a South Ward LCIT Councillor and was re-elected in 2021. However, Karress resigned from the LCIT team in April 2022.

Celebrating Milestones

LCIT celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2024. Over its three decades of operation, seven LCIT members have been elected to Liverpool City Council, with Colin Harrington serving four terms, one member elected as Mayor, and three members elected as Deputy Mayor .

Current Status (2026)

As of 2026, LCIT continues as a political group (no longer a registered political party) with Councillor Peter Harle representing the team on Liverpool City Council and serving as Deputy Mayor. The organisation remains committed to providing independent representation and an alternative voice for the Liverpool community.

Key Achievements Summary

  • 30+ years of continuous community representation (1994-2026)
  • 7 members elected to Liverpool City Council
  • 1 Mayor and 3 Deputy Mayors from LCIT ranks
  • Instrumental in exposing the 2003 financial crisis that led to government intervention
  • Consistent advocacy for community interests independent of major party politics
  • Longest Serving Liverpool City Councillor
  • 57 Combined Years of LCIT Representation

LCIT at Liverpool City Council

                        Name Ward Terms Served Years on Council Total Years Special Positions
Celebrating our History | Liverpool Community Independents Team Colin Harrington – 1987-1991, 1991-1995, 1995-1999, 1999-2004 1987-2004 17 years Mayor (1990-1991)
Last Independent Mayor elected by peers
Alf Alfred (Alf) Vella – 1991-1995 1991-1995 4 years Co-Founder & First President of LCIT
Geoff Neville – 1995-1999 1995-1999 4 years –
Stephen Dobell Brown Councillor 1999-2003 Stephen Dobell-Brown – 1999-2003 1999-2003 4 years Exposed 2003 financial crisis
Nadia Napoletano Councillor 2008 - 2012 & Deputy Mayor 2009 Nadia Napoletano – 2008-2012 2008-2012 4 years Deputy Mayor (2009)
Cllr Peter Harle JP Peter Harle JP North Ward 2008-2012, 2012-2016, 2016-2021, 2021-2024, 2024-2028 2008-Present 18+ years (ongoing) Deputy Mayor (2008-2009)
Deputy Mayor (2024-2025)
Councillor Karress Rhodes Karress Rhodes JP South Ward 2016-2021, 2021-2022* 2016-2022 6 years *Resigned from LCIT April 2022

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