Why This Matters
- The new leader will shape the Greens' strategy heading into the next federal election, following Adam Bandt's loss at the 2025 poll.
- A consensus candidate would signal party unity, while a contested ballot could expose factional tensions.
- Waters' departure on health grounds leaves the party managing a leadership transition at a critical political moment.
Background
The Greens have been in a period of transition since the 2025 election, when former leader Adam Bandt lost his seat. Waters became leader unopposed at that time. Her resignation due to worsening chronic kidney disease has now triggered a second leadership change in quick succession, forcing the party to select a new leader during a scheduled retreat.
Key Perspectives
Outgoing leader Larissa Waters: Resigned due to illness and is expected to appear publicly alongside her successor after the party room meeting.
Possible contenders: Faruqi, Shoebridge, Hanson-Young and McKim are seen as frontrunners, but none have publicly pitched themselves for the role, with some figures seeking an uncontested outcome.
Critics and skeptics: A leadership contest conducted behind closed doors may leave little room for broader party membership input, and any failure to reach consensus could prolong internal uncertainty.
What to Watch
- Whether the leadership ballot is contested or resolved by consensus before the meeting.
- The timing and content of the press conference with the newly elected leader.
- Any public statements from Waters explaining her resignation and her plans for the party's future.