David Shoebridge has been elected as the new federal leader of the Australian Greens, signaling a shift toward a more assertive and combative approach within the party. The announcement came during a pre-planned party retreat in Sydney, following the unexpected resignation of former leader Larissa Waters due to health reasons. Shoebridge, who won the leadership contest against senators Mehreen Faruqi and Sarah Hanson-Young, emphasized the need for the Greens to replace the Labor Party as the primary progressive force in Australian politics.
Shoebridge secured six of the 11 internal votes on the first count and ultimately won the leadership with seven votes after preferences. His deputy, Steph Hodgins-May, also emerged victorious in a contested ballot. Meanwhile, Hanson-Young was elected Greens manager of business, and Penny Allman-Payne was appointed party chair, both uncontested.
In his first remarks as leader, Shoebridge framed the current political environment as “extraordinary,” arguing that existing parties, including Labor, have failed to address pressing issues like the cost of living crisis, rising inequality, and concerns about technological monopolies. He stated that “politics as usual is not providing the answers that people are desperately calling for now,” and accused Labor of creating the conditions that enabled One Nation’s resurgence. Shoebridge called on the Greens to offer a clear alternative, aiming to “beat down One Nation” and “return hope and faith to politics.”
The Greens have maintained a steady polling range of around 10-12%, despite political turmoil affecting other parties, including surging support for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation and internal disarray within the Coalition. Shoebridge said the party must connect with Australians frustrated by traditional politics and “make them believe in politics again, not the politics of hate and division.” His rhetoric marks a departure from the more collaborative stance taken by predecessors such as Larissa Waters, who was known for a pragmatic approach to negotiations with government.
Faruqi expressed disappointment at the leadership outcome, emphasizing the need for “bold politics and radical action” in the face of global crises such as war, climate change, and rising social inequality. She also highlighted ongoing calls within the party for greater grassroots involvement in leadership decisions, an issue raised by former MP Max Chandler-Mather as well.
Shoebridge’s leadership comes at a critical moment for the Greens, with the party preparing for a period of renewal as veteran senators retire ahead of the next federal election. There is pressure on him to capitalise on voter dissatisfaction with the major parties, offering a more forceful challenge to both Labor and the Coalition. He has a reputation for rigorous parliamentary scrutiny and a confrontational style, which some colleagues regard as effective, though it has sometimes strained relations across the political spectrum.
As parliament resumes in mid-October, the Greens’ strategy under Shoebridge will be closely watched, particularly how the party balances internal reform, electoral ambitions, and potential negotiations with Labor on policy issues. Shoebridge has indicated that the Greens’ role is not to reform Labor but to replace it, setting an ambitious agenda for the party’s future.