Greens to choose leader and reflect on election lessons

May 15, 2025 03:30 | News

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.

The shock defeat ended Mr Bandt’s 15-year career in federal parliament.

ADAM BANDT
Adam Bandt conceded defeat in the seat of Melbourne, ending a 15-year career in federal parliament. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

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.

SARAH HANSON-YOUNG
South Australian senator Sarah Hanson-Young is expected to contest the Greens leadership. (Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS)

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.

Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi
Mehreen Faruqi is deputy leader of the Australian Greens. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

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.”

LARISSA WATERS
Larissa Waters, from Queensland, is among 11 Greens senators in federal parliament. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

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.

AAP News

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