2026-10-19
by Gemmia Burden and Caroline Atkinson
Australian Greens National Co-Convenors
The most striking feature of the last year was the substantial shift in the political landscape. At the last election, it was clear politics was changing; however, since that moment, the global changes have been almost staggering, largely driven by the dominance of a few who would be dictators and rich elites.
Existential threats to life in Australia are arriving apace. There continue to be wars with no justification, which are traumatising those caught in the middle through no fault of their own. People's rights to protest and to speak against these injustices are being stamped out - often violently - even in places across Australia.
Sluggish economies, beleaguered by unfair tariffs, wars, and interest rate rises, are driving a cost-of-living crisis for most, all while the top end of town increases their unsustainable wealth and leaves everyday people behind. The top 1% have grown their wealth a staggering 40% in the last two years, while more and more people in our communities cannot afford the basics of life: housing, healthcare, food. In Australia, the discontent with the increasing wealth divide, lack of housing, the cost of living, and attacks on the systems that support all of us is bubbling over into protest, evidenced by the rise of the Trumpist right.
Climate change continues unabated. The fossil lobby holds sway over right-wing politicians, making net zero the enemy. This despite the fact that the US-led war creating global oil insecurity should be accelerating the move to renewables. Luckily, in Australia there is some insulating effect of renewable power despite it being painted as a source of cost by the right wing.
The Greens at all levels have continued to fight for the battlers and try to tackle the gallop upward of wealth. The movement is one that speaks to voters and meets them where they are. In this current climate, the Greens are aiming to be a galvanising force, bringing our message of hope forward as far and wide as we can. As always, the four foundational principles have guided the Greens' legislative efforts and community engagement. We continue to stand up for equity, for social justice, so we can live in a society where people are able to access what they need to live a fulfilled life - to be able to afford food, to have a home, to have happy and healthy families.
Our political power to make policy change has been apparent since the last federal election, and we continue to see our hardworking parliamentary team working with the grassroots members to make an ongoing legislative impact.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the MPs for their dedication to the Greens’ values and the time and effort it takes to get any changes to legislation. The negotiations undertaken have been remarkably successful.
The State election results across the year continued to see the Greens hold the vote share, despite the perception that losing 3 seats at the federal level could materially damage the party. In Tasmania, 5 MPs were elected on a vote of over 14%. In South Australia, a member was elected to the upper house based on 10% of the vote despite the resurgence of One Nation. However, results of the by-elections continue to highlight the emerging risk to the major parties from the extremely well-funded and active right wing of politics.
Leading up to the Victorian and NSW elections, the party is continuing to focus on cost of living and, of course, climate justice to attract votes from those who feel disenfranchised. State teams are working to increase our community engagement, build the grassroots movement and mobilise them for these elections. Membership numbers are growing in our biggest states, which is encouraging for the Greens' future.
These elections will be a signpost for us to measure our work, as we build into the 2028 election cycle. The party needs to use this time, and these opportunities, to get on the front foot to show voters that we are the only party that will fight for people and the planet over profits, and for thriving communities over corporations.
Internally, we’ve seen a lot of time and effort put into building our capacity and capability. The strategic review undertaken by the team last year highlighted the need for increased marketing and social media resources and changes to our IT systems to better support our movement.
National Council, the Office Bearers, and the AG team have been working hard on how best to build our capacity to support building our movement. We have been streamlining our internal processes, reviewing rules and bylaws and finding ways to engender collaboration and information sharing across our parties. This is more than just finding efficiencies, or streamlining ways to ‘work better’; it’s about living and breathing our values, our commitment to community, and strengthening our movement together.
Our Office Bearer team deserve particular mention for the number of hours they put in over the year, most working around their ‘day jobs’.
Sue, as our long-term Treasurer, deserves special thanks for her long-term oversight of the Greens' financial stability despite us being ‘under-resourced’ for what we want to achieve as a party. This is Sue’s last year as Treasurer, though luckily she has agreed to stay on as Deputy to assist. Matthew has done a great job as Deputy and is expected to take on the role going forward.
Throughout the year, and with a focus on elections, Jason and the policy team have continued to provide the party with well-thought-out and pertinent policy platforms. This is also Jason’s last year in the role, and we thank him for his diligence and patience.
Another Office Bearer leaving this year is the Secretary, Debbie, who throughout her three years has kept the National Council and Conference running with her impeccable agenda planning. What has also been appreciated by those attending in-person meetings was her equally impeccable catering and delicious cakes. Throughout the year, Debbie has been supported by Alex, who does a meticulous job recording meetings and looking after risk management.
As International Secretary, Giz has had a significant year due to the running of a review in the international Greens space. This is nearly complete with the key bodies, AGPF. IDC and GIG are currently reviewing the outcomes. The work will allow AGs to continue their valuable work in Asia Pacific and liaison across the globe.
The AG staff team continue to drive the Greens as a movement, providing the platform for MPs and volunteers to achieve success. The team always applies their expertise and institutional knowledge to keep the party running efficiently and effectively, and we couldn’t do all this without them.
This year has been Brett’s last as National Manager, as he is retiring after 18 years at the helm. It cannot be overstated how much the party owes to Brett and his ability to run the operations of the organisation whilst it grew from a national party with one staff member to an organisation with thousands of members and a turnover in the millions. Brett will be sorely missed, though fortunately he has agreed to stay with the team for some months to allow the new National Manager to get to grips with the surprisingly complex Greens organisation. Our sincere thanks to Brett.
The upcoming year will not be easy with the surging right-wing politics around the world and the increasingly scary effects of climate change. The Greens are positioning ourselves to be able to offer a voice of hope and fight for justice, our country and our planet.