2025-05-09
Acting Greens Leader Senator McKim offered the following comments about the party’s leadership process and the next term of Parliament:
“Yesterday was a sad and emotional day for everyone in our Party Room, our Party and the broader movement we represent.”
“Our vote held up, but we lost seats on a rise in Labor’s vote that was a result of Australians rejecting Peter Dutton’s Trumpian agenda rather than any kind of endorsement for Labor.”
“Losing Adam on top of losing Stephen and Max is a bitter blow. They are outstanding people who have contributed so much to our movement.”
“However our party is bigger than any of us, and we are ready to get to work on the critical issues facing our country.”
“Our party room will meet on Thursday to decide our next leader and leadership team. There are a number of incredible people who would make great leaders of our party, and I have absolute confidence that whoever is chosen will lead us strongly and well.”
Senator McKim said that the Greens’ strong vote in the Senate looks like it has put the party into sole balance of power.
“The Prime Minister’s instructions that the Senate should get out of his way reek of arrogance and hubris.”
“We have been given a mandate to use our position in the Senate to hold Labor to account and make it act on issues like climate, environment, housing, and social and economic justice. We will be doing exactly that.”
“We were not elected to get out of Labor’s way and the sooner the Prime Minister understands that the better.”
“The Prime Minister needs to recognise that this was a strong result for Labor in terms of seats, not votes.”
“Only around one third of Australians voted for his party, his national primary vote is lower than Mark Latham achieved in 2004, and in many seats Labor only won thanks to Greens preferences.”
“If Labor wants to deliver real change, we’re ready to work constructively.”
“Given the make-up of this Parliament, if positive change on climate, environment, and getting dental into Medicare does not happen, it will be because Labor lacks the ambition and courage to run a strong reform agenda.”