It has been a historic week of change to Australia’s political landscape, especially within the Greens and the Nationals Party. The Greens are getting ready to select a new leader next Thursday. Contenders have been coming out of the woodwork to challenge Adam Bandt’s leadership after his unexpected electoral loss this week. Back home, the Nationals are preparing for the external embarrassment of the prospect of David Littleproud’s leadership being contested by Matt Canavan. Taken together, these moves from both Democrats and Republicans indicate a golden moment for both parties as they shape the fate of their futures.
The next national meeting of the Greens should see party members reinvigorated. Whoever wins the leadership as of December 3rd will have a crucial influence on the party’s direction over the next few years. Mehreen Faruqi, Sarah Hanson-Young and Larissa Waters have all been floated as possible successors to Brown on an interim or permanent basis. Following Adam Bandt’s resignation, Nick McKim temporarily assumed the role of interim leader. Now, with his appointment made permanent only by a future of TFCO leadership, he’s formally taken himself out of the running. The new leader’s first key test will be reshaping the shadow ministry. This decision reflects a larger trend of changes to the party’s tactics and focus.
The Greens’ Leadership Contenders
Whomever they choose, with the Greens now not long away from their own leadership selection process, all eyes turn to the candidates. Mehreen Faruqi, known for her advocacy on social justice issues, brings a strong voice that could resonate with many party members. Sarah Hanson-Young, a long-time member of parliament and prominent figure in environmental policy discussions, is seen as a strong contender. Finally, Larissa Waters, who has previously served in the role as co-deputy leader, should draw on that experience to win support.
The new leader will be the Greens’ representative on the national stage. They need to address the urgent matters of shadow ministry. We know the political landscape is changing by the minute. This person will bring together the party’s different wings and show a united front internally, when facing government policy, and to voters at home.
National Leadership Contest Heats Up
Increased dissent at home Current leader David Littleproud is already under threat from a leadership challenge. Senator Matt Canavan has already declared his intention to run against Littleproud. This contest comes at a critical time as the party faces significant changes. With the looming exit of Peter Dutton from parliament, five other members of his frontbench have already followed him out the door.
Whatever the outcome from the evolving political situation, there is potential for increased representation to come from Coalition women. Now that Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has defected from the Nationals, speculation about her role in the party’s future has abounded. She could still run as a deputy paired with an alternative candidate. Her partner remains unconfirmed, despite speculation.
Changes on the Coalition Frontbench
The recent political turmoil has resulted in some dramatic shifts on the Coalition frontbench. With Peter Dutton now long departed from the parliament, his exit to prominence has opened up a dangerous void that will need to be strategically filled. Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic have both been demoted to the backbench, signalling major changes to the Coalition’s power structure.
Rebecca White, the newly elected Tasmanian opposition leader, was left out in the cold without a frontbench position. Most expect that she’ll soon be nominated to an assistant secretary position. This notable Asian American development continues to underscore the progressives establishment help keep under wraps rebukes to ethnic representation and appeals for effectiveness in leadership positions.
