New Greens leader Shoebridge vows ‘red hot fight’ against One Nation and the top 1%

David Shoebridge has been elected federal leader of the Greens, vowing to lead a “red hot fight” against One Nation and the “top 1%” as he seeks to revive a party that has stalled in the polls despite a favourable political climate.

The NSW senator, 55, was chosen by his party room on Wednesday afternoon after Larissa Waters resigned as leader due to ill health. Steph Hodgins-May will serve as deputy. In his first remarks as leader, Shoebridge said the Greens would connect with Australians angry and mistrustful of mainstream politicians and “show them who their real enemy is”, arguing the true divide was between everyday Australians and the elite 1%.

The former barrister and renowned parliamentary interrogator takes over at a moment of political opportunity for the minor party. The Greens have been anchored to about 10 to 12 per cent of the vote across the last two elections, despite what many see as fertile ground: an unpopular Labor government, a Coalition in disarray, a cost-of-living crisis and rising public concern about the power of big tech, big datacentres and AI companies. One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson, has surged, drawing votes from both major parties.

Shoebridge’s more combative style marks a departure from Waters’ leadership. He has spoken of wanting to replace the Labor Party with a mass movement of everyday Australians, an ambition echoing that of Greens founder Bob Brown. But his polarising reputation and hard-left background mean he may face opposition from the party’s grassroots, and the leadership contest drew almost half the party room.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The Greens have been stuck around 12 per cent for two elections despite a political environment that appears favourable to them. Shoebridge’s ability to break through will shape the progressive vote and the balance of power in federal politics.
His confrontational approach could either capitalise on public anger at mainstream politics or alienate voters and the party’s own grassroots, with implications for Labor and the crossbench.

Background

Shoebridge, a former barrister and NSW politician, is known as one of parliament’s most effective crossbenchers, with a reputation for brutal interrogations in Senate hearings. He takes over after Larissa Waters resigned on health grounds. His ambition to build a mass movement of everyday Australians echoes the founding vision of Bob Brown. The party now faces both opportunity and risk: One Nation’s resurgence and the cost-of-living crisis create openings, but the Greens have so far failed to convert those conditions into higher primary votes.

Key Perspectives

David Shoebridge: Wants to present the Greens as the party that understands anger and mistrust of mainstream politicians, taking on the “top 1%” and One Nation’s “politics of hate”. Party moderates and grassroots: Some are concerned about his polarising style and whether it will scare off voters; the large field in the leadership contest points to internal divisions. Critics and skeptics: They note the Greens have stagnated at 10 to 12 per cent despite an apparently favourable climate, and question whether a more combative approach will deliver growth or simply consolidate existing support.

What to Watch

Whether Shoebridge’s profile and approval ratings move after his first weeks as leader.
The Greens’ primary vote in upcoming opinion polls, particularly whether they can break above the 10 to 12 per cent range.
How One Nation’s resurgence and the government’s handling of cost-of-living pressures affect the Greens’ appeal.

Analysis

Why This Matters

Background

Key Perspectives

What to Watch

Sources