NSW Senator David Shoebridge is the new Greens leader, following a three-way contest in a party room ballot. Photo: John Lomnicki.
David Shoebridge has been elected the new Greens leader, following this week’s shock resignation of Larissa Waters.
In a three-way contest for the leadership, Senator Shoebridge knocked both Mehreen Faruqi and Sarah Hanson-Young out of the race in a party room ballot on Wednesday (30 September).
The New South Wales senator ran on a joint ticket with Victorian senator Steph Hodgins-May, who was subsequently elected deputy leader.
In the leadership contest, Senator Hanson-Young was eliminated in the first round after receiving only two votes, and the second round saw Senator Shoebridge win seven votes to Senator Faruqi’s four.
Senator Hodgins-May defeated WA senator Jordan Steele-John and Tasmanian senator Vanessa Bleyer for the deputy position.
The new leader praised Senator Waters’ work in the top job and said the Greens do not want to improve the Labor Party but to replace it as a party of government.
“We present this fresh, new, strong face to build on the amazing work of Larissa and the team,” he said.
“We are not here to manage a broken system. We are here to replace it.”
A lawyer and campaigner, Senator Shoebridge has represented workers, challenged attempts to restrict workers’ compensation, and advocated for survivors of child sexual abuse.
He was a Greens member of the NSW State Parliament before being elected to the Senate.
“Now is the time to build the Greens as the home for every Australian who wants action on the climate crisis, a fair return from our resources, a secure home and income, and to not sell out our independence to the US or the 1 per cent,” he said on Wednesday.
“The economy isn’t working for people. Millions of Australians can see that something is fundamentally wrong when people working full time can’t afford a home while billionaires get richer and big corporations buy off politicians.
“We want to build an Australia where your bank balance, your postcode or where you were born do not determine the life you get to live.
“Whether it’s in parliament, estimates, or leading the movement, the Greens will take on corporate power, defend your rights, rebuild strong public institutions and stop politicians from selling you out …
“Labor has proven they can’t stop One Nation because they made the conditions for them to thrive. The Greens can.”
Former Greens leader Larissa Waters and new Greens deputy leader Steph Hodgins-May. Photo: Steph Hodgins-May Facebook.
Senator Hodgins-May is an environmental lawyer who worked with the United Nations and Greenpeace before entering parliament.
“My generation has grown up seeing politicians sell out our future for corporate greed – delaying action on climate change while housing, childcare and the basic things people need to build a good life become harder and harder to afford,” she said on her election as deputy leader.
“Rich corporations are screwing us over because Labor, Liberals and One Nation are letting them write the rules.
“We’re not here to reform Labor, we’re here to replace them.
“We need to give people hope that a better future is possible.”
Other members of the Greens’ new leadership team are Tasmanian Senator Nick McKim as party whip; Senator Hanson-Young (South Australia) as manager of Greens business; and Queensland Senator Penny Allman-Payne as party room chair and deputy whip.
Senator Faruqi (NSW) ran on a joint ticket with Senator McKim, but she did not nominate for the deputy’s role herself after being defeated in the leaders’ ballot.
She issued a statement after the vote expressing her disappointment and called for party rules to be changed so the entire membership votes for the leadership.
But she added she was as “inspired as ever by the fierce dedication” of Greens members around the country.
“Of course, I am disappointed the party room chose another direction, and know many others will feel the same way,” she said.
“I did not stand 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.
“I’ve long advocated publicly that Greens leaders should be elected by members with enough time for thoughtful deliberation on who is best to grow our party.
“I share members’ frustration that the opposite happened this week.
“Without a member vote, we cannot call ourselves a grassroots party. I call on the new leadership team to set a timeline for one member, one vote.”
