2025-09-20
The Victorian Greens have announced their first candidate for the 2026 state election: proud Wiradjuri Bunurong person Brittney Henderson, who will lead the Greens ticket for the Western Metropolitan region in the Upper House.
Raised in Melbourne’s west by a big, staunch queer Aboriginal family, Brittney has advised Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations all around the country on governance and building systems and effective policies that centre self-determination and justice.
As a young First Nations person, Brittney is determined to put Indigenous care for Country at the heart of tackling the climate crisis. Brittney has been active in campaigns across Melbourne’s west, including fighting to protect the critically endangered Western Grasslands.
Through their work with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, Brittney has championed community-led and Indigenous-led solutions that put decision-making back in the hands of First Nations people - whether it’s caring for land and water, strengthening community services, or building a fairer future across the West.
There is currently only one First Nations person in the Victorian Parliament, and Brittney will bring vital representation and the voices of their community into the halls of Parliament.
Brittney says tackling inequality, particularly the intergenerational inequality faced by young people in the West, will be at the heart of their campaign - whether that’s fighting for climate and social justice, or for affordable housing and rents for young people being priced out of the community.
Quotes attributable to the Victorian Greens candidate for Western Metropolitan, Brittney Henderson:
“I’m a proud Wiradjuri Bunurong person, born and raised in the West by a big, staunch queer Aboriginal family. That upbringing has defined who I am - it taught me resilience, solidarity and the importance of community. Those are the values I want to bring into Parliament to fight for our region and for Country.”
“The West has been ignored for too long. I’m running to change that - to back community-led organisations, protect our native grasslands, and tackle the intergenerational inequality that leaves young people locked out of housing, security and a safe climate.”
Quotes attributable to the Leader of the Victorian Greens, Ellen Sandell:
“Brittney is a powerful voice for climate action and justice, and will be powerful voice for the people of Melbourne’s west who have been ignored by Labor for too long. As a young First Nations person, they bring the perspective and vision Parliament needs right now and for future generations.
“The West faces a housing crisis, growing inequality and the destruction of its grasslands, while young people bear the brunt of these failures. Brittney’s leadership will ensure the people of the west have a strong, powerful local voice inside Parliament.”