In a dramatic turn of events during the 2025 federal election, the Australian Greens, led by Adam Bandt, are facing a potential wipe-out in the lower house, raising questions about the party's future and its influence in Parliament. As the counting of votes continues, Bandt's own seat in Melbourne is hanging by a thread, with Labor's Sarah Witty currently ahead.
Late last night, as the results started rolling in, it became evident that Bandt was at risk of losing his long-held seat. The latest figures showed Witty leading with 50.7 percent of the vote compared to Bandt's 49.3 percent, reflecting a significant 7.2 percent swing towards Labor. This swing could spell disaster for Bandt, who has represented the seat since 2010.
Meanwhile, the situation for other Greens MPs is equally grim. Max Chandler-Mather, the party's high-profile MP for Griffith, conceded defeat shortly after midnight, as Labor's Renee Coffey surged ahead with a substantial 16 percent swing in her favor. Stephen Bates, the Greens MP for Brisbane, is also projected to lose his seat to Labor's Madonna Jarrett, finishing third in the primary vote count.
As of last night, the Greens were hoping to expand their representation from four to nine seats, but with the current trajectory, it seems they may be left with only one member in the House of Representatives, potentially Elizabeth Watson-Brown from Ryan, who remains in a tight race.
Adam Bandt expressed confidence earlier in the night, emphasizing the party's primary vote had held steady at around 13.4 percent, a slight increase from the 2022 elections. "All indications are that we have held our primary vote and we cannot do much more than that, and if Labor and Liberal work together on preferences, that is a bit out of our control," he stated.
In a bid to rally his supporters, Bandt tweeted late at night, declaring the election a success for the Greens despite the looming threat of losing his seat. He noted, "Millions of people have voted Greens with hope and ambition. We have secured the biggest national vote in our history. And together we have kicked Dutton out." His remarks came amid cheers from supporters, even as he acknowledged the grim outlook for his own candidacy.
Chandler-Mather, known for his fiery speeches and strong advocacy for housing reforms, expressed disappointment over his defeat, stating, "We know that the people happiest tonight will be those in the political establishment who hope that you will give up. What we are trying to do is fundamentally transform Australian politics, economy, and society in favor of ordinary working people." He remained optimistic about the future, asserting that setbacks are part of the journey toward meaningful change.
In the seat of Wills, the contest is tight, with Labor incumbent Peter Khalil facing a 7.6 percent swing towards Greens challenger Samantha Ratnam. The outcome of this race, along with others, hinges on preference flows, which could still deliver surprising results.
The election results have also highlighted the resilience of the independent candidates, particularly the 'teal' independents, who are projected to maintain or even expand their presence in Parliament. MPs like Allegra Spender and Kate Chaney are expected to retain their seats, signaling a shift in voter sentiment towards independent representation.
As the night progressed, it became clear that the Greens' hopes of becoming a significant player in a potential minority government were fading. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has repeatedly dismissed the possibility of negotiating with the Greens, contrasting the current situation with the 2010 minority government agreement between Labor and the Greens.
Looking ahead, the counting of votes will resume, and the final results may still deliver surprises, particularly in the close contests. The Greens are left to ponder their future, with Bandt's leadership and the party's direction now under scrutiny.
The electoral landscape is shifting, and the Greens' struggle to maintain their foothold in the lower house could redefine Australian politics. As Bandt and his colleagues await the final results, the party's fate hangs in the balance, with implications that could resonate far beyond this election cycle.
In summary, the 2025 federal election has proven to be a challenging battleground for the Greens, with their leader Adam Bandt fighting to retain his seat amidst a significant swing towards Labor. As the votes are counted, the party's future in the House of Representatives remains uncertain, underscoring the volatile nature of contemporary Australian politics.
