Max Chandler-Mather's Vision for the Australian Greens

Max Chandler-Mather has been appointed as the new executive director of The Greens Institute, the internal think tank of the Australian Greens. This role comes in the wake of significant losses for the party during the 2025 federal election, where both Chandler-Mather and former leader Adam Bandt were defeated by Labor candidates. In his new position, Chandler-Mather aims to address the capacity gaps exposed during the election by organizing thousands of volunteers to conduct a comprehensive survey of economic and social conditions across Australia. He emphasizes the need for the Greens to reconnect with ordinary citizens, stating, “All major political parties are completely disconnected from ordinary people and ordinary people’s lives.”

The Guardian

Chandler-Mather's strategy is rooted in grassroots engagement, inspired by the success of his own door-knocking campaign in Queensland. He argues that traditional political parties overly rely on corporate polling and focus groups, which alienates them from the electorate. He believes that establishing a genuine connection with the public is essential for developing a vision that resonates with the majority. He pointed to the recent surge in support for the UK Greens as a model, highlighting their success in winning a previously safe Labor seat in a byelection.

The Guardian

Chandler-Mather identifies key issues such as housing shortages, the high cost of living, and stagnant wage growth as critical factors driving voters toward Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party. He asserts that these voters are winnable for the Greens, provided the party steps up to fill the void left by Labor and the Coalition. He stated, “If the Greens don’t step up to the challenge, then the void left by Labor and the Liberals will be filled by One Nation, so the task this year is urgent.”

The Guardian

Chandler-Mather expresses concern over the current economic and political systems, which he believes prioritize corporate profits over the needs of vulnerable populations. He recalls a personal interaction with a grandparent who switched from One Nation to the Greens, motivated by the party's commitment to providing free meals for children. This anecdote underscores his belief that the Greens must prioritize social welfare to attract disillusioned voters.

The Guardian

Chandler-Mather has articulated a vision for the Greens that includes a focus on progressive economic populism and a critical examination of neoliberal policies. He acknowledges the importance of policy over leadership style in garnering support, stating, “That isn’t solved by one leader or another, that’s solved by the hard work of building out the infrastructure that the UK Greens have started working on.”

The Guardian

Moving forward, Chandler-Mather plans to develop broader policies for the Greens and enhance training for party volunteers and operatives in preparation for upcoming state and federal elections. His approach aims to build a robust grassroots movement that can effectively challenge the status quo and address the pressing needs of the Australian populace.

The Guardian