Former Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather, once hailed as one of Australia's ten most powerful individuals before losing his electoral seat, has re-emerged nearly a year after his defeat. Chandler-Mather, who was narrowly ousted by Labor's Renee Coffey in Griffith during the federal election in May 2026, has now assumed the role of executive director at The Green Institute, the think tank affiliated with his former party.
From Parliament to Think Tank Leadership
Speculation in October had suggested Chandler-Mather might be assisting the Greens in searching for 'the next Max' following his electoral loss. He had previously denied rumours of guiding young Greens-aligned organisers at the University of Queensland Union, the campus where his political career originated during his time as a Labor supporter. However, his new position marks a significant return to the political arena, focusing on strategic development rather than parliamentary duties.
A Call for Political Transformation
In a statement announcing his appointment, Chandler-Mather emphasised the urgency of political change. 'If we want real change then we need to replace Labor and the Liberals, and keep One Nation away from power,' he declared. 'The reality is if the Greens don't step up to the challenge, then the void left by Labor and the Liberals will be filled by One Nation, so the task this year is urgent.'
His comments were part of the think tank's 're-launch,' which aims to transform the Greens into a 'mass movement' capable of displacing 'establishment politics.' The institute plans to mobilise volunteers, develop a series of policies, and train prospective members for the Greens' expanding movement.
Critique of Major Parties
Reflecting on his parliamentary experience, Chandler-Mather criticised both major parties. 'If I learned one thing from my time in Parliament, it's that Labor and the Liberals really do just work for the same big corporations in the endless pursuit for profit, whether it's the banks, supermarkets, property developers, or big mining and gas corporations,' he stated.
He further argued that with the Liberals fading in influence, Labor has become the primary party representing big business and vested interests. 'Labor will only tinker around the edges when it is necessary to relieve enough public pressure to avoid making the real big changes this country desperately needs,' he added.
Greens' Electoral Challenges and Strategic Revamp
The think tank's revamp announcement acknowledged a drop in momentum for the Greens, following initial successes. In 2022, the Queensland Greens' 'Greenslide' secured three federal seats, but the party struggled subsequently, losing three seats at the 2025 election, including Melbourne, once held by former leader Adam Bandt.
The institute aims to address 'critical capacity gaps identified during the 2025 federal election,' though the practical impact of these efforts on grassroots campaigning remains uncertain.
Historical Clashes with Anthony Albanese
During his parliamentary tenure, Chandler-Mather earned the nickname 'Albo's arch-nemesis' due to frequent clashes with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, particularly over housing policy. In 2023, tensions escalated during a debate on the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, with Albanese reportedly turning to Chandler-Mather in the House of Representatives and saying, 'You're a joke, mate.'
A year later, Chandler-Mather questioned why the Prime Minister could earn an additional $115,000 annually in rental income while residing rent-free at The Lodge and Kirribilli House amid a housing crisis. These confrontations resonated with many young Australians, who viewed Chandler-Mather as a vocal advocate for their housing concerns.
Post-Election Exchanges
After his ousting in May, Chandler-Mather told Triple J Hack that Albanese had often directed 'personal abuse' at him in Parliament. 'The Prime Minister spent a lot of time in my electorate attacking me, the property industry, the mining industry, all coming after us,' he recounted. 'We would get up in the House and say 'all we want is for the government to do something for the one-third of the country that rents' and I had the Prime Minister come up to me in the Chamber and call me a 'joke' and personally abuse me.'
In response, Albanese suggested Chandler-Mather reflect on his own conduct. 'He should have a good look at the way that he asks questions in the Parliament,' the Prime Minister told ABC's 7.30. 'Maybe what he needs is a mirror and a reflection on why he's no longer in parliament.' Albanese also referenced Chandler-Mather's participation in a CFMEU rally in Brisbane with signs depicting the Prime Minister as a Nazi, adding, 'I think it's a bit rich for him of all people...who has been rejected by his own electorate after just one term.'
As Chandler-Mather embarks on his new role at The Green Institute, his focus shifts from parliamentary battles to building a broader political movement, aiming to reinvigorate the Greens' presence in Australian politics.
