In the 2022 federal election, the Greens achieved their most successful outcome to date, securing four parliamentary seats. Adam Bandt successfully defended Melbourne, a position he has held since 2010, while newcomers Max Chandler-Mather, Elizabeth Watson-Brown, and Stephen Bates won seats in Griffith, Ryan, and Brisbane respectively.
Looking ahead, the Greens have set their sights on a few key electorates. Wills is at the forefront of their strategy, having been redrawn to incorporate areas that previously backed Bandt, thus reducing Labor’s advantage. The party is focusing on challenging incumbent MP Peter Khalil, particularly over the government’s response to the Gaza conflict. Former state leader Samantha Ratnam has been enlisted as their candidate for Wills, coinciding with the party’s campaign launch tonight.
Additionally, the Greens are considering Macnamara, which is classified as a safe Labor seat boasting a 12 per cent margin. However, this margin is more indicative of the Liberal Party’s minimal support rather than substantial backing for Labor. Three years ago, the Greens were just two per cent behind Labor in this area on first preferences, but candidate Steph Hodgins-May will require stronger preference flows to secure victory this time around.
The situation in Brisbane remains uncertain for the Greens, as the major parties are keen to reclaim their lost territory. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese campaigned in Griffith recently, hinting at a robust battle for the seats that could see the Greens’ representation diminish in the upcoming election.