+34
David Shoebridge's elevation to the Greens leadership signals a strategic shift toward populist left-wing politics, stronger cost-of-living campaigning and greater competition with Labor in inner-city electorates. His hard-line rhetoric, closeness to the party's left wing and plans for an assertive economic agenda could reshape the party's direction ahead of the next federal election.
David Shoebridge may not have the charisma of Zohran Mamdani, but he wants to follow his playbook. The elevation of NSW Senator David Shoebridge to the Greens top job is the clearest indication the party is prepared to swing further to the populist left and fight harder to demolish Labor, especially in its inner-city heartland.
He wasn't the only contender to lead the party — Sarah Hanson-Young and Mehreen Faruqi also put their hands up for the top job. Faruqi is reportedly divisive inside the party and Hanson-Young, despite being the longest serving Greens senator, is seen as too moderate, according to sources. Greens leadership talks are usually done under a cloak of secrecy, driven by consensus. But today's contest broke convention.
Greens whip Nick McKim read out the results of the leader and deputy leadership ballots — a sign the Greens have head the concerns they are too secretive. Transparency can't be something you bang on about if you don't reveal your cards. And the cards they revealed today tell you everything about how they believe politics needs to be played.
Shoebridge moves to the left The Greens have been frustrated at an inability to capitalise on public anger at the big end of town and that One Nation have been the only big winners, despite a collapse in support for the two big parties. Shoebridge may not have the charisma of Mamdani , but he came straight out of the blocks with over-the-top rhetoric indicating he would focus the party's direction on the cost of living and a strident left-wing economic agenda.
After more than a decade in NSW politics, he entered federal parliament when the Albanese government was elected in 2022 and is known for his relationship with hard-left Greens MP Lee Rhiannon. He holds the Greens' defence and foreign affairs portfolios. The Greens have long had a tension between the so-called watermelons — those who are more economically-focused, old-school lefties — and those who are a product of the environment movement.
The Greens are desperate to seize the moment rather than go down the road of the Australian Democrats, a past Senate balance-of-power party that collapsed due to a combination of a deeply unpopular policy compromise on the Goods and Services Tax and ugly infighting. This is a moment that will test the party. Can they stay together and unite around a more radical leadership?
Yesterday Shoebridge vowed to take the fight to both Labor and One Nation and positioned the left-wing party as needing to become the alternative for a growing base of disaffected and raging voters. Shoebridge said voters wanted to see some drastic political changes, rather than gradual reform.
"That is the dead politics of Labor, it's the dead politics of the Coalition, and when you really test it, it's the dead politics of One Nation," he said. "People are desperate for material change. They don't want another meaningless message being delivered by some Labor hack that they know isn't going to change their lives. They want to take on the vested interests.
"In a statement on social media, Faruqi said she was disappointed by the result. "Globally, people are struggling against genocide, wars, surging fascism and the twin crises of capitalism making working life too expensive and climate breakdown threatening our future," she said. "This struggle calls for bold politics and radical action.
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.
" Under Larissa Waters, the Greens supported the government to pass nature laws, including the establishment of a federal environment watchdog, and Labor's changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. She vowed to be the leader who would get "shit done". Shoebridge wants to hold Labor's feet to the fire. He will be a thorn in Labor's side rather than a deal maker.
Patricia Karvelas is host of ABC News Afternoon Briefing at 4pm weekdays on ABC News Channel, co-host of the weekly Party Room podcast with Fran Kelly and host of politics and news podcast Politics Now.
David Shoebridge Australian Greens Greens Leadership Populist Left Cost Of Living
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
David Shoebridge Elected Greens Leader After Larissa Waters ResignsNSW senator David Shoebridge won the Greens' first contested leadership ballot, succeeding Larissa Waters, who resigned due to worsening chronic kidney disease. He vows to build a mass movement and replace Labor, with Stephanie Hodgins-May as deputy.
Read more »
David Shoebridge Elected Greens Leader, Steph Hodgins-May DeputyDavid Shoebridge has been elected leader of the Greens with Steph Hodgins-May as deputy, after Larissa Waters stepped down due to ill health. Shoebridge won a three-way ballot and said the party would fight corporate greed and fill the vacuum left by Labor.
Read more »
David Shoebridge Elected Greens Leader Pledges To Replace LaborDavid Shoebridge has been elected leader of the Australian Greens in a rare contested vote, defeating Mehreen Faruqi and Sarah Hanson-Young, and vows a tougher approach to Labor.
Read more »
David Shoebridge Becomes Greens Leader, Vows Red Hot Fight Against Elite 1% and One NationDavid Shoebridge has been elected federal leader of the Australian Greens after Larissa Waters' resignation, promising a red hot fight for voters and a member vote on future leaders.
Read more »