Greens Party to choose new leader after Adam Bandt loss, Sarah Hanson-Young, Mehreen Faruqi eye top job
It’s not easy being Green after losing several seats and a party leader at the federal election.
But those who remain are preparing to choose a replacement and reflect on lessons from the campaign.
Adam Bandt, who had led the minor party since 2020, lost his seat of Melbourne on May 3.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The shock defeat ended Mr Bandt’s 15-year career in federal parliament.
His colleagues will meet in the Victorian capital on Thursday as they begin to pick up the pieces.
South Australian senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Mehreen Faruqi from NSW are expected to contest the Greens leadership.
Queensland senator Larissa Waters has not ruled out a tilt.
There are reports emerging that all three women could share a co-leader role.
The Greens lost three lower house seats and failed to pick up any extras at the election.
However, they are confident of wielding influence in the Senate, where the party holds the balance of power.
Tim Read, who represents the Greens in the Victorian parliament, wants to focus on the positives.
He was encouraged by a close result in the seat of Wills, which the Greens tried to snatch from Labor.
“That gives me confidence that there is growing support for the Greens,” he told AAP.
“I’m also impressed by our increased Senate vote.
“The fact that the Greens senators have proven to retain their popularity and increased it, shows we’ll do well whoever is chosen.”
The Greens are left with the Queensland seat of Ryan and 11 senators following the election.
Labor has at least 28 seats in the Senate and with the support of the Greens has the numbers to get legislation through the upper house.
