Greens to choose leader and reflect on election lessons
The Greens are reportedly considering electing three women to share the leadership when the party meets on Thursday.
The 12 remaining federal members will gather in Melbourne as the minor party picks up the pieces from the disastrous federal election.
It’s the third leadership tussle this week after the Liberals elected Sussan Ley to replace Peter Dutton and the Nationals reaffirmed David Littleproud.
The Greens lost several seats, including that of leader Adam Bandt, whose 15-year career in federal parliament came to an end.
As the party reflects on its election losses, it is reportedly considering a job-share leadership arrangement between three women.
Sarah Hanson-Young, Mehreen Faruqi and Senator Larissa Waters could share the leader and deputy leader positions, Nine Newspapers reports.
You might like
The so-called “throuple” could be decided behind closed doors in the Greens’ tradition of discussing the party leadership.
South Australian senator Sarah Hanson-Young and Mehreen Faruqi from NSW were initially expected to contest the Greens leadership.
Then Queensland senator Larissa Waters said she had not ruled out a tilt.
The Greens lost three lower house seats and failed to pick up any extras at the election.
Stay informed, daily
However, they are confident of wielding influence in the Senate, where the party holds the balance of power.
Tim Read, who represents the Greens in the Victorian parliament, wants to focus on the positives.
He was encouraged by a close result in the seat of Wills, which the Greens tried to snatch from Labor.
“That gives me confidence that there is growing support for the Greens,” he said.
“I’m also impressed by our increased Senate vote.
“The fact that the Greens senators have proven to retain their popularity and increased it, shows we’ll do well whoever is chosen.”
The Greens are left with the Queensland seat of Ryan and 11 senators following the election.
Labor has at least 28 seats in the Senate and with the support of the Greens has the numbers to get legislation through the upper house.
