A political party has applied to rebrand itself as Reform Australia but its leader insists it is not connected to UK politician Nigel Farage's similarly named Reform UK.

The Australian Federation Party, which lives on the fringes of federal politics, merged with mining magnate Clive Palmer's Trumpet of Patriots in the lead-up to the 2025 Federal Election. 

Despite an aggressive advertising campaign, Palmer failed to secure a seat and later attempted to shut the party down.

However, the move was ultimately rejected by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) after opposition from founding director Glenn O'Rourke.

The party reverted to the Australian Federation Party in March before merging with a separate political project led by former Liberal campaign strategist Walter Villatora.

Villatora, who previously worked on campaigns for Tony Abbott and former NSW premier Mike Baird, joined the party's leadership and is spearheading the push to formally register as Reform Australia.

He has been keen to distance the party from both Palmer and comparisons with Nigel Farage's anti-immigration party Reform UK. 

'Our name is not intended to align with or benefit from the recognition of Reform UK, that is simply not the case,' Villatora told the Daily Mail on Thursday.

'The term 'Reform' has a long and established history in politics that predates Reform UK by centuries. 

'The concept has been used politically since at least the 18th century... No political party has a monopoly on the name Reform.'

Villatora emphasised that Reform Australia has no connection to Mr Farage’s party, which is gaining popularity in the United Kingdom.

'We have no affiliation, association or relationship with Reform UK and have had no contact with the party,' he said.

'While many Western democracies face similar challenges, Australia has its own unique circumstances and requires solutions tailored specifically to Australian conditions.'

The AEC published a notice this week that it had received an application to change Australian Federation Party's name to Reform Australia. 

It required three members from the party to sign on and a payment of $500. Objections must be received by the AEC by July 24. 

Instead, Villatora said the movement is focused on building a broad, pragmatic platform which is centred on everyday concerns rather than ideology. 

'Our mission is to create a unifying movement focused on practical outcomes rather than political ideology,' Villatora said. 

'Our political position is centred on what we describe as 'kitchen table issues' - the matters that directly affect Australians in their daily lives.'

These priorities include cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability, taxation, healthcare access, education and economic opportunity.

Villatora said the party deliberately avoids traditional political divides.

'We do not see politics through a traditional left-versus-right lens,' he said.

'Our emphasis is on practical, evidence-based policies that improve the lives of ordinary Australians regardless of their background or political history.'

He added that Reform Australia hopes to attract voters who feel increasingly alienated from mainstream politics and the major parties. 

'This includes families struggling with rising living costs, young Australians concerned about housing affordability, small business owners facing increasing pressures, workers who feel they are falling behind, retirees worried about economic security, and community-minded Australians who want a more responsive and accountable political system,' he said.

A formal launch for the party is expected in the coming months.