New Greens Leader Vows to Replace Labor, Challenging Incumbent Government

David Shoebridge has been elected as the new leader of the Australian Greens, vowing to position the party as the dominant force on the left and directly challenge the Labor government. The New South Wales senator secured the leadership on Wednesday, with Steph Hodgins-May elected as his deputy.

"We know the Greens need to seize this moment because politics demands it of us," Shoebridge stated. He criticized the current Labor government for creating political space that has allowed the right-wing One Nation party to gain traction.

"The Greens, the progressive alternative... we're here to beat down One Nation and we're here to replace Labor and return hope and faith to politics," he added.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the leadership change, stating that Labor would continue to work with the Greens. "I'm told that he was particularly focused on the Labor Party in his introductory remarks," Chalmers said. "It's really important that we focus on the risks posed to workers and to our economy by One Nation, the Liberal Party and the National Party."

The leadership transition followed the resignation of former leader Larissa Waters due to health issues. Shoebridge won the leadership ballot 7-4 against former deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi, who also contested the position. Faruqi expressed disappointment with the outcome but indicated she would continue to contribute to the party outside the leadership team.

"Of course, I am disappointed the party room chose another direction, and know many others will feel the same way," Faruqi said. "I did not stand again 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."

Faruqi also advocated for a shift to member-based voting for leadership positions, arguing that the current partyroom system does not align with the party's grassroots identity.

Senator Hodgins-May emphasized that confronting the climate crisis and challenging powerful industries would be immediate priorities. "I am looking forward to working with David to bring a bold vision to Australia, to grow our movement, to confront the impending climate crisis that is here now," she said.

The Greens, holding approximately 12 percent of the primary vote in recent polls and wielding balance-of-power influence in the Senate, made the leadership decision during a two-day policy meeting in Sydney. Waters, who led the party through a period of transition after the 2025 election, stepped down due to a worsening kidney condition. She reflected on her tenure, stating it had been a privilege to lead the party.

Senator Shoebridge, a former barrister who served in the NSW upper house for 12 years before entering federal parliament in 2022, has been a vocal critic on issues such as the AUKUS submarine deal and sanctions against Israel. He also supported the campaign for Julian Assange's release.

Waters, in her first public appearance since her resignation, expressed pride in her time as leader and her role as a senator for Queensland. She wished the new leadership team success.

"There are few politicians that you can really point to who so clearly put the planet and the public ahead of their own interests," Shoebridge said of Waters. "Our party was rock solid behind Larissa, but I can't tell you how much of a joy it is going to be over the next 18 months. A lot of hard work, but what a joy."