2025-10-21
By Sue Etheridge
Australian Greens Treasurer
I live and work on the unceded lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people and pay respect to elders and ancestors of this country. I acknowledge that this is, and always will be, stolen land - Sovereignty was never ceded. The struggle for truth-telling, treaty, justice, and peace continues.
Serving as Treasurer this year has been a deeply rewarding experience, made possible by the incredible collaboration and dedication of so many people. I am especially grateful to my fellow Office Bearers, Australian Greens staff, State and Territory Treasurers, National Councillors, the Governance and Finance Committee, and the Donations Reference Group. Your commitment and partnership have not only made this year productive, but also genuinely enjoyable - particularly as we rose to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 2025 Federal Election.
Financial Report Summary
The Australian Greens’ reports are consolidated and cover all areas of activity, including operational (administrative) work, election campaigning, and specific projects.
The 2024/25 financial year was a federal election year, which brought both increased activity and significant financial demands. Despite the challenges of resourcing a national campaign, the party recorded a net surplus of $49,751, compared to a surplus of $189,841 in 2023/24.
At year end, net assets stood at $1,387,831, reflecting a stable financial position and a modest strengthening of accumulated funds.
Total income rose strongly to $6,965,743, up from $4,795,155 in 2023/24. This increase was driven by:
- Member Body Contributions: $1,730,476 (2024: $1,509,925).
- Net Fundraising Distributions: $600,681 (2024: $415,370).
- Donations: $3,769,066, up significantly from (2024: $2,166,382).
- Grants: $344,720 (2024: $200,000).
- Other income streams included meeting registrations, MP tithing income, interest, and investment movements.
This growth reflects both the generosity of our supporters and the strength of our Fundraising and Engagement Teams during an election year.
Expenditure rose to $6,915,992 (2024: $4,605,314), reflecting the costs of campaigning and scaling up operations. Major components included:
- Staffing Costs: $2,854,973 (2024: $2,210,140).
- Member Body Contributions: $3,115,651 (2024: $1,877,393).
- Administration: $268,012 (2024: $118,964).
- Communications and IT Investments also grew; supporting campaign effectiveness and digital infrastructure.
These increases were consistent with the demands of an election year.
Cash flow and reserves
Our financial position remains strong, with cash reserves of $2,026,433, up from $1,904,744 in 2024, providing a solid foundation of stability as we head into a non-election year. The majority of our assets are held as ‘current’ - cash or cash-equivalents - ensuring liquidity and flexibility in meeting ongoing obligations.
After accounting for liabilities, a portion of our net assets is earmarked for specific purposes, while the majority remains readily accessible to support operational needs and future initiatives.
Audit
The accounts were audited by Collins & Co Audit Pty Ltd, who confirmed the accounts present a true and fair view of the party’s financial position.
Looking ahead
The year ahead will be a non-election year, providing an opportunity to focus on strengthening our foundations and preparing for the next campaign. From 1 July 2026, new Funding and Disclosure legislation will come into effect, requiring careful financial management to ensure compliance. With the next federal election scheduled for 2028, our priority over the coming three years will be to remain well-resourced, resilient, and strategically positioned to run an effective campaign when the time comes.
COMMITTEES AND COLLABORATION
The Governance and Finance Committee kept its twice-monthly tempo, orchestrating its key responsibilities with precision: setting the budget, reviewing monthly financial reports, regularly updating the National Risk Management Register, revising the Arbitration and Conciliation Committee By-Law, and fine-tuning the Terms of Reference and Quorum for the GFC - among other tasks - ensuring the party’s operations ran like a perfectly tuned ensemble.
The Donations Reference Group struck a steady rhythm of its own, meeting regularly to review all donations of $1,000 or more, and convening when requested by Member Bodies to consider specific potential new donations.
Meanwhile, the group of State and Territory Treasurers has continued to meet whenever possible, fostering a collaborative and collegial environment. It has been a delight to catch up with familiar faces on Zoom, welcome new Treasurers, and send our best wishes to those moving on — proof that even sporadic meetings can create beautiful music together.
A big, heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in these committees and meetings - Alex Breskin, Anne Picot, Brett Constable, Caroline Atkinson, Chris Maltby, Claire O’Halloran, Deb Rees, Debbie Gibson, Denby Angus, Dominic Wy Kanak, Emi Martin, Emma Barrett, Emma Pringle, Gemmia Burden, Hayden Shaw, Jayde Lillico, Jesse Smith, Jonathan Parry, Margaret Keelan, Matt Roberts, Matthew Muscat, Ray Mainsbridge, Shannan Ely, Rose Newbury Freeman, and Tim Liersch. Your dedication and hard work have been the perfect harmony that keeps our party performing at its best. Each of you has played your part brilliantly, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed - thank you for helping us hit all the right notes!
A special encore goes to Brett Constable, whose tireless efforts keep the party running smoothly and make the Treasurer’s role look easy. Thanks also to Deputy Treasurer Matthew Muscat and my fellow Office Bearers - our team functions like a well-rehearsed orchestra, playing in sync and hitting every note in perfect unison. I feel fortunate to work alongside such talented, committed, and hardworking staff and volunteers. This past year has been a brilliant reminder of what we can achieve when we all play in tune toward the same goal.
- Sue