Party Structure

A quick introduction

The Victorian Greens is made up of many branches and is coordinated by our State Council. We also have a range of committees, panels and working groups (see the detailed overview below). We are governed by our charter, constitution, bylaws and Member Code of Conduct, which together set out the principles, philosophy and governing rules of the Greens. You can access these documents at the following links:

You learn more about our history here, or read on for more detail about our structure. 

A detailed overview

The Global Greens
The Australian Greens are members of the Global Greens, the worldwide network of Green parties and political movements, spanning continents and countries from Mongolia to Brazil and from New Zealand to Finland. We are united by our Global Greens Charter, adopted at the Global Greens 2001 conference in Canberra.  The Charter sets out the values we hold in common -- ecological wisdom, social justice, participatory democracy, nonviolence, sustainability and respect for diversity.  More than 20 years later, we are still the only global political movement working with optimism and friendship 'to affirm our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations' (www.globalgreens.org).

The Australian Greens
The Australian Greens is a confederation of Australian State and Territory-based Greens parties. The Victorian Greens joined the confederation in 1993. This was a step towards a National Greens party and since WA joined the federation in 2004 along with NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC, ACT, SA, and NT, we have become a truly Australia-wide party (www.greens.org.au).

The Australian Greens Victoria
The Victorian Greens party is formally named "The Australian Greens Victoria". In the 30 years since our formation in 1992 we have grown quickly. Greens now represent the Victorian community at all levels of government, with 34 Local Councillors, eight State MPs and two Federal MPs. 

State Council
Our State Council coordinates activity statewide, and is our primary governing body. It has a total of 15 members: 14 are chosen by our members at large (7 are elected using a proportional voting system each year and they serve a two year term); and one is chosen by our First Nations members. Three representatives of our members in public office also have special attendance and speaking rights at State Council meetings (one representing members elected to each level of government - Local, State and Federal). State Council usually meets monthly, with one extended meeting each quarter held in person. Members can find information about meeting venues, times and agendas in the eBulletin or on the member website. 

Disputes
This guide has been developed to help members understand the dispute resolution processes. It takes you through the steps to resolve differences as amicably as possible. Information on this process can be found here.

Working Groups & Committees
A number of working groups, panels and committees have been set up by State Council to coordinate the party's work in specific areas. Some are ongoing groups, while some are short-term groups, and other working groups may be set up as needed. They are all responsible to State Council. For more information about these groups, please contact the State office on 03 9912 2992 or office@vic.greens.org.au.

Consensus decision making
Decisions at all Greens party meetings are made primarily by consensus and a serious attempt at all times is made towards achieving consensus. Sufficient time is generally given for discussion of different views, including provision for non-decision making meetings. If after a reasonable period of time, disagreement persists and a decision cannot be deferred, the issue may be resolved by vote - except where our state constitution requires a decision to be made by consensus only. 

Party meetings are generally open to all Greens party members and invited members of the general public (except when dealing with sensitive topics like election strategy and disputes).

Branches
Branches are the real engine-room of the Greens, and the entry-point for members to other structures. They are where new members first meet other Greens, talk politics and policy, get involved in local campaigning and fundraising, and find out about what else is going on.

Branches are based on local government areas. Every Green living within a branch boundary is by default a member of their local branch, unless they notify the Membership Officer (members@vic.greens.org.au) that they would prefer to be in another branch (e.g. one they were originally in, but then moved house, or one closer to their workplace than their home).  Contacts for each of our branches are available on this website at the branches page.

Getting involved
As a new member you should be contacted by your local branch and invited to a meeting. If that doesn't happen quickly enough for you (usually branch convenors and secretaries are very busy people, and sometimes they go on holidays etc) please feel free to ring or email the state office on 03 9912 2992 or office@vic.greens.org.au and ask what branch you're in and how to contact them. Alternatively, you can  look them up on the branches page.