2026-10-19
by Sue Etheridge
Australian Greens Treasurer
I live and work on the unceded lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people and pay respect to elders and ancestors of this country. I acknowledge that this is, and always will be, stolen land. Sovereignty was never ceded. The struggle for truth-telling, treaty, justice and peace continues.
After the intensity of the 2025 Federal Election, I hoped the Treasurer’s crystal ball might show a quieter year ahead. It saw no federal election on the calendar and confidently predicted some breathing room. Clearly, it had not looked at the budgets, financial reports, audits or preparations for the new funding rules. The finance calendar was as full as ever, and the crystal ball is now under review. 🔮
Thankfully, I have shared this work with wonderful people across the Greens. Their care, good humour and willingness to help untangle difficult questions have made even the less glamorous parts of being Treasurer enjoyable. There have been quite a few of those parts, although they rarely appear in any forecast.
Financial Report Summary
The Australian Greens’ financial statements cover national operations, election campaigning and specific projects.
Both income and expenditure were lower than in the 2025 federal election year. The party recorded a deficit of $1,242, on income of $4,638,017, compared with a surplus of $49,750 in 2024/25. That is a remarkably steady result. If I had asked the crystal ball to land us within $1,242 of break-even on more than $4.6 million of income, I doubt it would have been this precise.
Income
At 30 June 2026, net assets were $1,386,589, compared with $1,387,831 a year earlier. The tiny difference between the two figures tells the main story: our overall financial position held steady.
Total income was $4,638,017, down from $6,965,743 in 2024/25. The main sources were:
- Member Body contributions: $2,233,236 (2024/25: $1,730,476)
- Share of fundraising: $417,202 (2024/25: $600,681)
- Donations: $1,291,638 (2024/25: $3,769,066)
- Grants: $391,845 (2024/25: $344,720).
- Other income included MP tithing, interest and meeting registrations.
Donations were much lower than in the election year, as we would expect after such an intensive campaign. Member Body contributions increased and provided stronger support for our ongoing national work. The election-year result was worth celebrating, but we need a reliable income base between federal elections as well.
Expenditure
Total expenditure was $4,639,259 in 2025/26, down from $6,915,993 in the 2025 Federal Election year. Major components included:
- Staffing: $2,568,354 (2024/25: $2,854,973).
- Contributions to Member Bodies and Global Greens: $1,350,128 (2024/25: $3,115,651).
- Administration: $338,909 (2024/25: $268,013).
- Equipment and Systems: $194,405 (2024/25: $319,807).
- Communications: $26,265 (2024/25: $128,712).
Expenditure fell substantially following the 2025 Federal Election, with the largest reduction in contributions to Member Bodies and Global Greens. Staffing, communications, and equipment and facilities costs also fell, while administration costs increased. Overall, spending remained closely aligned with income - a result the crystal ball is quite happy to take credit for.
Cash Flow and Reserves
At 30 June 2026, we held $1,915,482 in cash and deposits, down $110,951 from a year earlier. Operating activities used $104,248 in cash during the year. This deserves attention even though the income and expenditure result was close to break-even: the annual result tells us how income and expenses compared, while cash flow shows what actually came in and went out. The crystal ball may know what is coming, but the bank balance only knows what has arrived. đź”®
We remain well placed to meet our obligations. Current assets of $2,310,659 exceeded current liabilities of $1,181,283 at year-end. Even so, the timing of receipts and payments will matter as we budget and prepare for future campaigns.
Net assets totalled $1,386,589. This comprised $656,604 in specific purpose funds and $729,985 in accumulated funds. The specific purpose funds have been set aside for particular uses, so we need to take those commitments into account when assessing what is available for general operations.
Audit
The 2025/26 financial statements were audited by Collins & Co Audit Pty Ltd, which issued an unmodified audit opinion confirming that the financial report presents a true and fair view of the party’s financial position and results. The signed auditor’s report accompanies the final accounts and should be read alongside them.
Looking Ahead
Changes to the Commonwealth funding and disclosure scheme commence on 1 January 2027. Preparing our processes and cash forecasts for the new arrangements will be an important part of the year ahead, particularly given the timing of election funding.
We will continue to build reliable income, monitor cash flow and use our resources carefully so the party is ready to campaign effectively when the time comes. The crystal ball remains frustratingly vague about exactly what lies ahead, but it is quite firm on one point: even magic works better with a budget.
Committees and Collaboration
The Governance and Finance Committee has met fortnightly through a busy year, reviewing financial reports and budgets, monitoring cash flow and keeping the party’s risks under review. It has also worked through questions about financial delegations, contract approvals and other governance processes, with the aim of making decisions clearer and more consistent. Some of this work is still progressing through consultation and the National Council. Much of it happens behind the scenes, but it helps us identify issues early and make better-informed decisions. The Treasurer’s crystal ball occasionally offers an opinion; the committee sensibly asks for the figures.
The Donations Reference Group has continued its careful review of donations and matters referred by Member Bodies. This work supports considered, consistent decisions and gives colleagues a place to seek advice when questions arise.
State and Territory Treasurers have shared their experience and helped one another tackle common challenges. I have enjoyed seeing familiar faces on Zoom, welcoming new colleagues and learning from the different approaches across the country. The willingness to help one another is always there, even if finding a meeting time that suits every Treasurer remains beyond the crystal ball’s powers. 🔮
Thanks
Thank you to my fellow Office Bearers, National Councillors, Committee Members, State and Territory Treasurers and Australian Greens staff. Behind every financial report are people who have checked a figure, answered a question, made a careful decision or patiently explained why something has changed since last month. Your dedication and generosity have made my time as Treasurer both productive and enjoyable.
I am especially grateful to Brett Constable, whose steady work behind the scenes keeps a complicated national operation running smoothly; to Shirin Dawood, our Finance Officer, for her careful work with the accounts and reports; and to Deputy Treasurer Matthew Muscat for his support and collaboration. I know how much skill and effort go into the work behind these figures
Having already served beyond the usual term limit, this is my last annual report as National Treasurer. Since being elected Deputy Treasurer in 2020, including a period as Acting Treasurer, and then Treasurer in 2022, I have had the privilege of working alongside so many committed and generous people. I am proud of what we have achieved together and grateful for the trust, patience and friendship I have been shown.
As I hand over the Treasurer’s crystal ball, I wish its next keeper every success. I have given it a polish, but the next Treasurer may still need a calendar, a cash flow forecast and a healthy sense of humour. 🔮