Policy Principles & Aims

What do the Australian Greens believe? What aims and goals are we collectively fighting for?

Our shared beliefs, and the outcomes the Greens are fighting for are outlined here, in our policy principles and aims – building on the philosophy of the Greens, set out in our charter and constitution, and by the four pillars.

These documents are developed, agreed on, and reviewed triennially by Greens members through a democratic grassroots process that gives voice to our movement.

As an expression of the Greens' values, these principles and aims don't just underpin our costed election platform, they lie at the heart of the work done by the Greens in parliament, and in community.

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Agriculture

Sustainable agriculture is fundamental to supporting rural communities, which are a vital part of Australian society, and to ensuring a healthy, sustainable, se…

Animals

Too many animals suffer and experience neglect, mistreatment, cruelty, injury and death as the result of human activities. We must properly care for animals and…

Arts and Culture

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: 1. Artistic and cultural expression and engagement are fundamental aspects of social wellbeing. 2. Acces…

Banking and finance

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: Australia’s banking sector is among the most concentrated in the world, and requires Government interven…

Biological Diversity

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: 1. To maintain Earth's life support systems, it is essential to protect ecosystems, ecosystem processes and…

Children and Young People

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: 1. All children and young people have a universal and immutable right to agency, safety, bodily autonomy, p…

Climate Change and Energy

The climate crisis is negatively impacting all aspects of modern life, contributing to disruption of ecosystems, biodiversity and human societies through sea le…

Community Participation and Civil Society

Community participation in decision-making should be an ongoing process, and participants should be free of the fear of retribution. Principles The Austra…

Constitutional Reform and Democracy

Parliament should serve the best interest of all Australians, not just those who can afford to buy influence. Principles The Australian Greens believe tha…

Corporate Governance

Corporate activity should consider the concerns and interests of all stakeholders — shareholders, employees, business partners and society. Principles The…

Disability Rights and Services

Disabled people, as well as their families, carers and nominees, should be able to actively participate in policy, service planning and delivery. Principles …

Drugs, Substance Use and Addiction

Harm minimisation policies are those directed towards reducing the adverse health, social and economic consequences of drug or substance use. Principles T…

Early Childhood Education and Care

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: 1. Care for children is the responsibility of society as a whole. The quality of care received by babies an…

Economic Justice

The economy must be equitable, serve the needs of everyone and provide the best chance to meet the challenges of the future. Principles The Australian Gre…

Education

A strong public education system for all stages of life is key to building a just and cohesive society. The opportunity to learn unlocks potential, reduces ineq…

Employment and Workplace Relations

Working people need more security, higher pay and fulfilling work that is supported by a fair and equitable industrial relations system and the right collective…

Environmental Principles

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: 1. Human beings are part of the natural world, and all forms of life on Earth deserve our respect. 2. Hu…

First Nations Peoples

Vision The Australian Greens want First Nations peoples to have self-determination over their own destiny, to prosper and achieve the aspirations they have f…

First Nations Peoples: Truth, Treaty, Voice

Principles The Australian Greens believe: 1. That all Australians must understand the past of Australia’s history and its ongoing impact on First Nations …

Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and Girls

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: 1. Women have the right to equal respect, responsibilities, opportunity and outcomes in society. 2. Wome…

Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), their products, and the chemicals used to manage them, may pose unacceptable threats to ecosystems. Principles The …

Global Economics

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: A global economic system that promotes environmental sustainability, human rights and a decent standard of living…

Global Governance

The leading role of multilateral organisations in the maintenance of international peace and security must be recognised and respected. Principles The Aus…

Health

Health is affected by physical, mental, cultural, and social well-being, as well as the presence or absence of disease or impairment. Principles The Austr…

Housing and Homelessness

Australia’s housing system should ensure everyone’s right to a home. Principles The Australian Greens believe that: 1. Safe and secure housing is a hum…

Human Rights

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: Universal human rights are fundamental and must be respected and protected in all countries and for all people. E…

Immigration and Refugees

Australia has humanitarian and legal obligations to accept refugees and reunite families. Australian society benefits from immigration. Principles The Aus…

International Development Assistance

Preamble International development assistance is an issue of global justice. Australia has an obligation to contribute to a just and equitable world by worki…

International Relations

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: Australia must act diplomatically to promote peace, democracy, ecological sustainability, equity and jus…

Justice

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: 1. All Australians have a right to a safe, peaceful and ecologically sustainable existence, free from crime…

Marine and Coastal Areas, and Fisheries

Ecosystems-based management is the most sustainable and appropriate model for the management of Australia's marine territories. Principles The Australian …

Media and Communications

Freedom and diversity of the press, and accessible media and communications systems are integral to a successful democratic society. Principles The Austra…

Mental Health

Principles The Australian Greens believe that Mental health and wellbeing depend on the complex interactions between the social, environmental, psychol…

Multiculturalism

All people, regardless of culture, religion, language, or place of birth, have equal rights economically, socially and culturally. Multiculturalism in Australia…

Natural Resources: Forests and Mining

Manage resources taking into account intergenerational equity, biodiversity conservation and respect for traditional ownership. Principles The Australian …

Nuclear and Uranium

No nuclear power, weapons or mining. Future generations must not be burdened with toxic nuclear waste for which there is no safe disposal. Principles The …

Older People

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: Older people have the same rights as all other adults to participate in social, economic and political a…

Peace, Disarmament and Demilitarisation

The Australian Greens are committed to building a peaceful and just world, seeking nonviolent means for resolving conflict when it arises. Where violence and mi…

Planning and Transport

Well planned infrastructure and transport systems are required to sustainably accommodate and move people and goods across urban and regional Australia. Consult…

Population

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: The current level of population, population growth and the way we produce and consume are outstripping environmen…

Public Service

The public service plays a crucial role in building a society that works for everyone. Our public services must be empowered to deliver quality services, policy…

Science and Research

Successful and prosperous societies promote a culture that greatly values and supports science, engineering, innovation, enterprise and creativity. Governments …

Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: 1. All people have fundamental human rights and are entitled to equal protection of the law without any dis…

Social Services

A socially just, democratic and sustainable society requires the provision of an unconditional liveable income, complemented by the provision of universal socia…

Sport and Physical Recreation

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: 1. Sport and physical recreation are important cultural elements for many communities in Australia, especia…

Waste

Waste management policy should adopt a zero waste goal to conserve natural resources for future generations. Principles The Australian Greens believe that…

Water and Inland Aquatic Environments

Principles The Australian Greens believe that: 1. Access to clean and adequate water is fundamental to life. 2. All Australians should be guaranteed a …

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