A leadership election was held on 30 September 2026 to elect the leader of the Australian Greens.
David Shoebridge was elected leader, following the resignation of former leader Larissa Waters. Steph Hodgins-May was elected Deputy Leader.
This was the first Australian Greens leadership election that was not decided by consensus within party room as all previous leaders have been elected unopposed.
Background Then-leader Larissa Waters announced her resignation as leader on 28 September due to health issues. Waters was elected leader in 2025 after the federal election, succeeding Adam Bandt.
Candidates On the morning of 30 September 2026, ABC News reported that Shoebridge, Faruqi, and Hanson-Young would all three be contesting the leadership election.
Leader Declared Candidate Electorate Portfolio(s) Senator for New South Wales Senator for New South Wales Deputy Leader of the Greens (2022–2026) Spokesperson for: Education – Tertiary Anti-Racism Animal Welfare International Aid and Global Justice Republic Climate Adaptation & Resilience Senator for South AustraliaManager of Business in the Senate (2022–present) Spokesperson for: Environment and Water Arts and Communications
Deputy leader Declared Candidate Electorate Portfolio(s) Senator for VictoriaSpokesperson for: Resources Early Childhood Education Waste and Recycling Assistant Spokesperson for: Climate Change and Energy Senator for Tasmania Senator for Western AustraliaSpokesperson for: Disability Inclusion and the National Disability Insurance Scheme Health and Mental Health Youth
Withdrew Candidate Electorate Portfolio(s) Senator for TasmaniaActing Leader of the Greens (2025) Senate Whip (2021–present) Co-Deputy Leader of the Greens (2020–2022) Leader of the Tasmanian Greens (2008–2014)
See also 2026 ACT Greens leadership ballot 2026 Liberal Party of Australia leadership spill
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