The new Greens leadership has vowed to ‘replace Labor’ as the major party on the left of Australian politics – after a change at the top triggered internal fractures.
NSW Senator David Shoebridge was elected party leader on Wednesday, promising he and new deputy Steph Hodgins-May would take on the Labor government and a surging One Nation.
‘We know the Greens need to seize this moment because politics demands it of us,’ he said on Wednesday, blaming the government for creating the space for right-wing party One Nation to surge in popularity.
‘The Greens, the progressive alternative … we’re here to beat down One Nation and we’re here to replace Labor and return hope and faith to politics.’
Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the change in leadership and said Labor would continue to work with the party in good faith.
‘I’m told that he was particularly focused on the Labor Party in his introductory remarks,’ Dr Chalmers said.
‘It’s really important that we focus on the risks posed to workers and to our economy by One Nation, the Liberal Party and the National Party.’
The Greens vote has brought out some disquiet from former deputy leader and leadership candidate Mehreen Faruqi.
Shoebridge warned Labor his aim was to replace it on the left side of Australian politics
Senator Mehreen Faruqi also contested for the Greens leadership but was defeated in the vote
She released a statement shortly after the announcement.
‘Of course, I am disappointed the party room chose another direction, and know many others will feel the same way,’ she said, pointing to the major issues facing voters around the world,’ she said.
‘I did not stand again for deputy leader today because, on reflection, I believe I can best play my part in that action outside the constraints of the leadership team.’
Senator Shoebridge won the final ballot 7-4 against Senator Faruqi after party leader Larissa Waters resigned over health issues. Senator Faruqi echoed calls from the Greens’ internal think-tank to introduce member voting for new leadership instead of relying on the will of the partyroom.
‘Without a member vote, we cannot call ourselves a grassroots party,’ Senator Faruqi said.
Taking on the gas industry and tech giants would form a focus of the party in the immediate future, Senator Hodgins-May said.
‘I am looking forward to working with David to bring a bold vision to Australia, to grow our movement, to confront the impending climate crisis that is here now,’ the Victorian senator said.
The party, which has a primary vote of about 12 per cent in most opinion polls and holds the balance of power in the upper house, voted for the new leadership team during a two-day policy meeting in Sydney.
Anthony Albanese is already under pressure on the conservative right from One Nation
Former Greens leader Larissa Water stepped down amid a battle with kidney disease
The change in leadership comes days after Senator Waters’ decision to step down from the leadership due to her worsening health.
During her first media appearance since that announcement, she said it had been a privilege to lead the Greens since the election.
‘Whilst I’m proud of the time that I have spent leading this incredible team, I am very proud to be a humble backbencher and a senator for Queensland after I take some medical leave,’ she said.
She took the reins during a transitional phase after the minor party lost three lower-house seats, including the electorate of then-leader Adam Bandt, at the 2025 election.
Senator Shoebridge paid tribute to Senator Waters for her leadership in the face of personal struggles.
‘There are few politicians that you can really point to who so clearly put the planet and the public ahead of their own interests,’ he said.
‘Our party was rock solid behind Larissa, but I can’t tell you how much of a joy it is going to be over the next 18 months.
‘A lot of hard work, but what a joy.’
