Dorinda Cox, a prominent figure in Australian politics, has announced her departure from the Greens party to align herself with the Labor party in the federal Senate. Cox just announced this decision publicly. It stems from such a deep loss of trust in the small party’s trajectory and stewardship. She is a proud Indigenous Yamatji-Noongar woman. Since 2021, she’s proudly served as a senator for the Greens, claiming that position to allow her to fight for Indigenous affairs.
Cox’s decision underscores her status as the second Western Australian senator elected at the 2022 election to cross the floor. This political turnaround is part of a deep and growing trend of regional political realignment. Her choice, which was announced less than two years after she’d successfully campaigned for a six-year term, is unprecedented. She took the seat of retiring long-term Greens senator Rachel Siewert. This shift highlights the ongoing challenges faced by smaller political parties in Australia, particularly in maintaining member loyalty amidst internal strife and leadership challenges.
A Shift in Political Alignment
Cox’s transition to Labor reflects her growing discontent with the Greens’ current trajectory. She pointed to a loss of connection with the values of the party’s trajectory, which was the deciding factor in her eventual defection. Most recently, Cox published a reflection on Labor values and the party’s ongoing struggle and mission to create a more equitable world. She feels that these principles reflect her values better than the other principles.
“I am very, very grateful for this opportunity and I want to thank the Labor team for welcoming me, and I’ve spoken to the prime minister about the work I would like to do in the future as a member of a party of government,” stated Cox upon her announcement.
Even though she had previously served as the Greens’ Indigenous Affairs spokesperson, Cox was challenged at every turn in the party. She’d given a heads up to Greens leader Larissa Waters before making her public announcement. What you don’t know is that this conversation took place roughly 90 minutes before Walter’s announcement. This late disclosure indicates that there are some shadows of dissent within the party concerned about her leadership ambitions and the party’s fracturing internal dynamic.
Challenges Within the Greens
Cox’s defection follows a highly disruptive and controversial time for the Greens party, especially in Western Australia. At a recent chaotic party room meeting to elect the various leadership positions, she went head-to-head with Mehreen Faruqi for deputy and Penny Allman-Payne for deputy whip. She was, alas, the lone unsuccessful nominee. News reports indicate that she received only a few votes apiece to hold each post—signs of a diminishing support even on her side.
Moreover, there have been reports of bullying allegations against Cox that might have played into her decision to depart. As one WA Greens party insider lamented, her chances of being pre-selected again for any future elections disappeared that day. She fears that the charges and investigation would threaten her political future. After these incidents, Cox sent a memo apologizing to staff for any “trauma” that staff may have experienced as a result of these stories.
Implications of Party Switching
Cox’s shift to Labor not only changes Cox’s political map, but signifies broader trends within Australian politics. For the smaller parties, the real challenge is holding their members together. Mass defections such as Cox’s may make them reconsider their plans or leadership. In a statement, Labor’s Environment Minister, Murray Watt proclaimed the outcome. He claimed that the Greens have “spectacularly failed” to retain their MPs because of infighting.
Cox’s time and experience as an Indigenous leader will be key as she moves into her new role with Labor. With her unique perspective and advocacy experience, she is expected to contribute significantly to discussions surrounding Indigenous affairs at the federal level. Her commitment to align with a party of government may offer her more opportunities to effect change on issues she cares deeply about.
