Australian Greens
A clear guide to the Australian Greens: their history, their left-wing environmental ideology, where they stand on climate, the economy, and social justice, and their role in the Senate.
Overview
- Country
- Australia
- Founded
- 1992
- Position
- Left-wing
- Leader
- Larissa Waters
- Headquarters
- Canberra
The Australian Greens are the country's main left-wing party, built around environmentalism, social justice, and grassroots democracy. They stand to the left of Labor on most issues and have their greatest influence in the Senate, where they often hold the balance of power. Larissa Waters became leader in 2025.
The party draws strong support among younger and urban voters and has become an established part of the Australian political landscape.
History
The Greens formed as a national party in 1992, drawing together earlier state-level environmental parties, with roots in Tasmania's pioneering environmental movement. Under Bob Brown they grew into a significant force, particularly in the Senate.
The party reached a peak in the House of Representatives at the 2022 election, winning several lower-house seats, before being reduced again in 2025 even as it retained substantial Senate representation and influence.
Economic Policy
The Greens support an economy reorganised around sustainability and equality. They back a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, large public investment in renewable energy and housing, higher taxes on corporations and wealth, and expanded public services including dental care in Medicare. They are strongly critical of new coal and gas projects.
Foreign Policy
The Greens favour an independent foreign policy centred on peace, human rights, and climate justice. They have been critical of AUKUS and high defence spending, and they emphasise diplomacy, disarmament, and global climate action.
Where They Stand
- Places climate action at the centre, opposing new coal and gas
- Backs large public investment in renewables and housing
- Supports higher taxes on corporations and wealth
- Wants dental care included in Medicare
- Supports treaty processes with Indigenous Australians
- Critical of AUKUS and high defence spending
Electoral Record
The Greens hold significant representation in the Senate, where they frequently hold the balance of power, and have at times won seats in the House of Representatives. Their national vote has grown over the decades to make them a durable third force.
Position on the Political Compass
Australian Greens sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.
These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.
Key Figures
Bob Brown
Founding parliamentary leader
A Tasmanian environmental campaigner who led the Greens to national prominence and established them as a lasting force in the Senate.
Larissa Waters
Leader since 2025
A Queensland senator who became leader of the Greens in 2025, continuing the party's focus on climate action and social justice.
Sources and Further Reading
- Australian Greens (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
- Official party websitegreens.org.au
- 2025 Australian federal election (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
Where do you stand?
Take the CoreOpinion Australia political test to see how your views compare with Australian Greens and the other parties.
Take the Australia Test
Social Policy
The party is firmly progressive. It supports treaty and truth-telling processes with Indigenous Australians, LGBT rights, a humane refugee policy, and expanded civil liberties. It emphasises participatory democracy and social equality.