Senator David Shoebridge has been elected as the new leader of the Australian Greens, defeating two women in a rare contested ballot for the party's top job. In his first remarks after the result, Shoebridge declared the party is 'here to replace Labor'.
Leadership change and direction
The leadership change was discussed by Barrie Cassidy and Sean Kelly, filling in for Tony Barry, on the Back to Back Barries podcast. The contested ballot marks a significant shift for the progressive party, with questions now emerging over the direction Shoebridge will take the Greens.
Shoebridge, described as a polarising figure with a 'huge ego' but effective, has also set his sights on One Nation. His election comes as the party looks to expand its influence beyond its traditional base.
Prime minister's surprise remarks and Victorian election polls
Elsewhere in the episode, the pair discussed what the prime minister said at George Megalogenis' Melbourne book launch that surprised both former political advisers. The comments, which were not detailed, added to the political intrigue of the week.
As the Victorian election draws nearer, the podcast also examined what the latest polls reveal about how the contest could play out. The discussion comes amid a shifting political landscape in the state.
