Larissa Waters: Greens leader announces decision to step down due to illness

Senator Larissa Waters has announced she will step down as leader of the Australian Greens due to an ongoing battle with kidney disease.

Senator Waters made the announcement on Monday night and in a statement revealed that a party room meeting would determine the next steps for the minor party’s leadership this week.

“It has been a tremendous honour to be leader of the Greens, fighting for people and the planet. I’m really sad that illness means my time as leader has been cut short, but our movement needs a leader in good health to lead us to success at the next election,” she said.

“Passing the torch on to the next leader of the Party will put them in the best position to take the Greens to the next election, fighting for people, not the corporate interests that run Labor, Liberals and One Nation.

“Our fight is too important, and it needs more time and energy than I am able to give while I focus on my recovery.

“I’d like to thank my colleagues for their understanding, and the medical professionals who have supported me through this process.”

Senator Waters battle with a pre-existing kidney disease is understood to have declined significantly over recent months.

She said that the demands of leadership, including the additional travel, are not compatible with giving her health the priority it needs.

The Senator is expected to take a period of medical leave, and return to parliament in the role of Senator for Queensland as soon as she can.

“I will keep working for the people of Queensland, for women’s safety and for climate action when I am able to return to parliament,” she said.

Waters took over the leadership of the Greens in the wake of predecessor Adam Bandt’s defeat in the 2025 Federal Election.

She beat out Sarah Hanson-Young in the contest. She remains the Greens’ second-longest serving member in Parliament after Hanson-Young.