Full Breakdown
Greens Party to Seek Member Input on Upcoming Leadership Decision
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
David Shoebridge, the newly elected federal leader of the Australian Greens, announced that ordinary party members will be consulted before the next internal decision on federal leadership. The proposal follows a recent leadership contest in which Shoebridge and fellow MP Steph Hodgins-May emerged as contenders.
Background & Context
The Greens’ federal leader is traditionally chosen by the party room, a practice shared with the Liberal-National coalition. In contrast, the Australian Labor Party combines a party-room vote with a broader membership ballot. Shoebridge’s call for broader member involvement reflects ongoing internal debate about democratic participation within the party, especially after the recent leadership tilt that saw Mehreen Faruqi lose a party-room vote and subsequently advocate for member input.
Key Figures
- David Shoebridge — Federal leader of the Australian Greens, former senator, advocating for member consultation.
- Steph Hodgins-May — Co-leader-designate alongside Shoebridge, supporting the proposed consultation process.
- Mehreen Faruqi — Former leadership candidate who publicly called for greater member involvement after her unsuccessful bid.
Official Statements & Responses
Faruqi, while acknowledging the party-room outcome, reiterated her belief that members should have a say, echoing Shoebridge’s call for broader engagement. No formal response has been issued by the Greens’ national executive regarding the exact format or timeline of the proposed consultation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You absolutely should have a say in the leadership for the Greens” — David Shoebridge
What’s Next
The Greens have indicated that the member consultation will be completed prior to the party’s next post-election leadership decision. The timing of that decision aligns with the federal election cycle, but no specific date has been set. The party’s national executive is expected to outline the detailed consultation framework in the coming weeks.