Australian Greens
Australia's environmental party championing climate action, social justice and a renewable economy for the future.
About Australian Greens
Learn about the party's history, policies, and key achievements
Party Overview
The Australian Greens are the nation's third-largest political party and the primary voice for environmental protection, social justice, and progressive politics in federal parliament. Founded in 1992 and currently led by Larissa Waters (acting), the Greens advocate for urgent climate action, renewable energy transition, and sustainable economic policies.
The party champions human rights, Indigenous reconciliation, and social equality while promoting evidence-based policy making. With representation in both houses of parliament, the Greens often hold the balance of power in the Senate, using their position to push for stronger environmental protections and progressive social reforms.
History & Formation
The Australian Greens were officially formed in 1992, building on earlier green political movements including the United Tasmania Group (1972) and various state-based green parties. The party emerged from environmental activism, particularly the Franklin River campaign in Tasmania during the 1980s.
Bob Brown, a key founder and former leader, helped establish the Greens as a significant political force advocating for wilderness protection and environmental sustainability.
The party achieved its first Senate representation in 1996 and has since grown to become a major player in Australian politics, consistently advocating for climate action, renewable energy, and progressive social policies across multiple election cycles.
Key Policy Areas
- Urgent climate action and net-zero emissions by 2030
- 100% renewable energy transition and fossil fuel phase-out
- Environmental protection and biodiversity conservation
- Social justice and reducing inequality through progressive taxation
- Indigenous rights and treaty recognition
- Universal basic services including free education and healthcare
- Refugee rights and humane immigration policies
- Democratic reform and political integrity measures
Key Achievements
- Secured carbon pricing legislation and renewable energy targets
- Established the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
- Protected millions of hectares of wilderness and marine areas
- Achieved marriage equality through parliamentary advocacy
- Secured funding for public transport and cycling infrastructure
- Established the Clean Energy Finance Corporation
- Advanced Indigenous rights and reconciliation initiatives
- Promoted transparency and integrity in government through crossbench cooperation
Australian Greens Across Australia
Australian Greens represents communities across all Australian states and territories, with elected members serving in federal parliament, state parliaments, and local councils from Sydney to Perth, Melbourne to Brisbane, Adelaide to Darwin, and Hobart to Canberra.
Find your local Australian Greens representatives in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory through our comprehensive electoral guides and member directories.
Leadership Team
Meet the key leaders and decision-makers
Larissa Waters
Interim Federal Leader (Acting)
Queensland Senator and long-time Greens Senate Leader; serving as acting leader following the loss of Adam Bandt's seat in May 2025.
Mehreen Faruqi
Deputy Leader & Portfolio Lead (Anti-Racism, Climate Adaptation, Early-Childhood Education)
Policy Platform
Explore Australian Greens's comprehensive policy positions on key issues affecting Australian families, workers, and communities. These policies shape how Australian Greens approaches governance, legislation, and representation in federal parliament.
From healthcare and education to climate action and economic policy, discover where Australian Greens stands on the issues that matter most to Australian voters in federal elections.
Climate Emergency Response
Net zero emissions by 2030, 100% renewable electricity by 2030, and $1 trillion investment in clean energy transition over 10 years.
Dental and Mental Health in Medicare
Include dental care and mental health services in Medicare, with free treatment for all Australians and expanded community health centers.
Public Housing Program
1 million new public homes over 20 years, rent caps, and stronger tenant rights to address the housing crisis.
Wealth Tax Implementation
6% wealth tax on billionaires, close tax loopholes for corporations, and progressive tax reform to fund public services.
Free Education for All
Free university and TAFE education, cancel student debt, and increase funding for public schools and teachers.
Indigenous Justice Package
Treaty negotiations, truth and reconciliation commission, and constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.
How Australian Greens Policies Affect Australian Voters
Australian Greens's policy platform directly impacts Australian families through changes to taxation, healthcare funding, education investment, and social services. These policies are developed through party conferences, member consultation, and parliamentary caucus decisions, reflecting the party's core values and electoral commitments to Australian voters.
Electoral History
Track record in federal elections over recent years
Result
Crossbench (balance of power)
Seats
H: 1 | S: 11
Leader
Larissa Waters (Acting)
12.8% primary vote
Result
Crossbench (balance of power)
Seats
H: 4 | S: 12
Leader
Adam Bandt
12.3% primary vote
Result
Crossbench
Seats
H: 1 | S: 9
Leader
Adam Bandt
10.4% primary vote
Result
Crossbench
Seats
H: 1 | S: 9
Leader
Richard Di Natale
10.2% primary vote
Result
Crossbench
Seats
H: 1 | S: 10
Leader
Christine Milne
8.7% primary vote
Key Historical Figures
Important leaders who shaped the party's legacy
Bob Brown
Federal Leader
1996-2012
Founding federal leader and environmental activist. Led Franklin River campaign and established Greens as major political force.
Christine Milne
Federal Leader
2012-2015
Tasmanian environmental leader who expanded Greens policy platform beyond environment to social justice issues.
Richard Di Natale
Federal Leader
2015-2020
Former GP who broadened Greens appeal and led party to record Senate representation in 2016.
Adam Bandt
Federal Leader
2020-2025
First Greens MP elected to House of Representatives. Led party through climate activism and progressive policy expansion.
Kerry Nettle
Senator
2002-2008
First Greens senator elected. Pioneered parliamentary activism on refugee rights and environmental protection.
Sarah Hanson-Young
Senator
2008-present
Long-serving senator and advocate for refugee rights, women's rights, and environmental protection.
Common Questions
Common questions about Australian Greens and Australian politics answered
Further Reading
Explore our in-depth analysis and guides related to Australian Greens and Australian politics
Policy Analysis
Greens Housing Affordability Policy
Analysis of the Greens' comprehensive housing affordability and rental reform policies.
Read More →Greens Renewable Energy Target
Understanding the Greens' renewable energy targets and climate action policies.
Read More →State Politics
Greens Renewables Victoria
Victorian Greens policy on renewable energy transition and clean jobs.
Read More →Greens Rent Freeze Victoria
Analysis of the Victorian Greens' rental market reforms and tenant protections.
Read More →General Politics
Australian Political Parties Guide
Complete overview of all major political parties in Australia and their key differences.
Read More →Australian Politics Explained
Understanding how Australian politics works, from elections to government formation.
Read More →Civic Engagement
Contact Your Local MP
Step-by-step guide on how to contact and engage with your local member of parliament.
Read More →