I have been reflecting on the election results, the broader view of the influences on electoral politics and our people power driven movement.

Locally, the Greens are absolutely thrilled that Elizabeth Watson-Brown, MP for Ryan and Larissa Waters, recently announced Leader of the Australian Greens’ have both been re-elected. Congratulations to the staff and volunteers that contributed over the years.

In this election people voted against far right Trumpian Dutton politics which allowed Labor to secure a sizable majority and remove any minority government, to obtain the balance of power in the Lower House.

In Australia’s Majoritarian Lower House, this 10% divide is Coalition wipeout

The previous minority government, Julia Gillard, former Labor Prime Minister and Bob Brown, former Leader of the Australian Greens’, legislated a very effective Carbon Price emission reduction scheme. Tragically, Tony Abbott, former LNP Prime Minister, ran an effective smear campaign against the scheme as “Carbon Tax”, won the election and then repealed the scheme. Had this not happened, Australia would have been in a strong climate action position.

My hope is that we get real action on climate this term! 

Unfortunately, it’s bittersweet as we lost three Federal seats but we have sole power in the Senate with 11 Greens Senators. This is an opportunity for Labor to negotiate with the Greens on good outcomes for our community and planet, rather than working with the Liberals, that will only send us backwards.

A steady Greens vote, but a drop in Coalition and shift in preferencing hurt Greens in the Lower House

It’s interesting to look beneath the surface and examine the nuances of how people are voting each election over the years. Interestingly, there has been a recent study that examines the ongoing trend of the major parties’ primary vote falling, and there has been a steady shift over many years to independents and minor parties. You can check out this article for more details. 

The ABC analysis of ALP, L/NP, and independent/third party votes

I couldn't be more relieved to see Peter Dutton’s MAGA far right politics is out. We just need to guard against the LNP-dominated state and council's far right cruel actions by holding them to account.

A huge drop for Dutton, and and large votes for a progressive Independent and minor parties booted him from Dickson

Of course it's very sad at this time. We are saying goodbye to the incredible Stephen Bates and Max Chandler-Mather, and their amazing Brisbane and Griffith office teams’. We are also feeling crushed that our extraordinary Leader, Adam Bandt, has also lost the seat of Melbourne. After serving and giving so much support and hope to our community for 15 years.

People don't see the inner workings of the Greens' force within our offices, which has been legendary! I know that each office team doesn't waste a minute, and has been able to pull off some extraordinary moments to show our community what is possible in this broken corrupt system. Some of these efforts have seen people getting into social housing, obtaining secured reunification visas, helping with NDIS applications, feeding thousands of people with free community meals and community pantry and natural disaster support. 

We give hope, and a vision of something better. A vision that is possible, like in Finland, where mass public housing with a housing-first approach has virtually ended homelessness.

Max and Stephen have been incredible, taking our voices to parliament and advocating on important issues like housing, climate action, taxing the billionaires, dental and mental health into medicare and LGBTIQ+ human rights! 

The people-powered Greens' movement will continue the fight for basic human rights, and our precious planet! 

We know we are up against the Billionaires, Murdoch media, Property Industry, and Fossil Fuel machine that has campaigned for decades to spread lies and misinformation. They have poured and funnelled dark money into all aspects of our lives. You only have to look up the Koch Brothers.

So we know it's never going to be easy. But politics is not linear - Greens' pressure does work! Take 50 cents fares: Labor half-adopted our Greens' policy on free public transport. We will continue to apply pressure on creating better routes and frequency. 

Our people-power movement is strong and growing. People are drawn in because we do politics differently. We are not giving up the fight! 

Thank you to Max Chandler-Mather, Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Stephen Bates, Adam Bandt and the other Greens' MPs  for holding strong and negotiating for great outcomes like 3 ½ billion into social housing, and a hard cap on pollution with the safeguard mechanism legislation. 

So for me, as your Councillor, this gives me more resolve and drive to keep going and hold the Labor and LNP to account, because there is no alternative! We must keep pushing for positive change for the future for our planet!

Thank you to all the volunteers who contributed their time and energy! Amazing people power! 💚