Full Breakdown
New Greens Leadership Aims to Challenge Corporate Power and Climate Inaction
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
The Australian Greens elected Senator David Shoebridge as party leader and Senator Steph Hodgins-May as deputy leader after Senator Larissa Waters resigned for health reasons. The duo pledged to curb “growing corporate influence” in Parliament and accelerate climate action, positioning the Greens between the Labor government and One Nation.
Background & Context
Hodgins-May moved from corporate law to climate advocacy following personal tragedies and later served as a UN negotiator, AusAid adviser, and head of Pacific for Greenpeace Australia. She entered the Senate in 2024, filling the vacancy left by retiring Senator Janet Rice.
Shoebridge, a former barrister and NSW state senator, gained prominence through Senate estimates and campaigns against the AUKUS project, AI-sector lobbying, and fossil-fuel subsidies. The leadership change follows the 2025 electoral setback that saw former leader Adam Bandt lose his seat, while One Nation’s vote share rose, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to warn that Greens criticism could aid the far-right.
Key Figures & Groups
- David Shoebridge – New Greens leader.
- Steph Hodgins-May – New deputy leader; former corporate lawyer and Greenpeace campaigner.
- Bob Brown – Senior party figure.
- Richard Di Natale – Mentor to Hodgins-May.
- David Pocock – Independent senator supporting the leadership.
Official Statements & Responses
Hodgins-May stressed a “sense of urgency” rooted in her personal losses and framed the Greens’ approach as “combative” on climate and social issues.
Labor officials, speaking anonymously, called the new leadership “annoying but very effective” in the Senate, while noting Shoebridge’s “huge ego” and a less collaborative style.
Criticism & Opposition
A Labor source warned that an “ego-driven” approach, effective in Senate estimates, could alienate potential allies.
Why It Matters
The shift signals a more confrontational Greens strategy aimed at voter anger over housing affordability, childcare costs and climate inaction. If successful, the Greens could pressure the Albanese government to adopt stronger environmental policies and curb corporate lobbying. Heightened antagonism, however, risks fragmenting the progressive vote and could benefit One Nation if the Greens fail to broaden electoral support.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She’s determined to not just take a seat, but to change things for the better for Australians, and that is not least for the Australian environment,” — Bob Brown
- “ Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens said: "My generation has grown up seeing politicians sell out our future for corporate greed - delaying action on climate change while housing, childcare and the basic things people need to build a good life become harder and harder to afford.” — Deputy Leader
- “I think what people are looking for in this moment is a red-hot fight – a red-hot fight for them, a red-hot fight for their kids, a red-hot fight for a safe climate,” — David Shoebridge, Australian Greens senator
- “When you get out and meet with Australians who are facing these kinds of challenges … working two jobs and still not being able to afford the rent, no one would criticise people for being angry with politics in those moments and searching for whatever answer they can find,” — David Shoebridge, Australian Greens senator
- “He recognises politics in our country is in a time of flux and I’m sure he will keep pushing hard and holding the major parties accountable as leader of the Greens,” — David Pocock, independent senator