All News
As Australia’s federal election enters its second week of campaigning, attention is turning toward the Australian Greens—one of the nation’s most prominent minor parties—as they seek to expand their representation in Parliament. In this article, we unpack the Greens’ manifesto, explore their origins and beliefs, and break down the key policies shaping their 2025 campaign.
Who Are the Greens?
The Australian Greens—commonly known as the Greens—are a progressive political party with deep roots in Tasmania. Their origins trace back to the United Tasmania Group (UTG), founded in 1972 in response to environmental threats such as the proposed damming of the Franklin River and the destruction of Lake Pedder.
The UTG holds the distinction of being the world’s first Green political party. Over the years, it achieved electoral success across 10 state and federal elections before evolving into the Australian Greens in 1992. Since then, the party has grown to become a major voice in local, state, and federal politics.
During the early 2000s, the Greens rapidly overtook older minor parties such as the Australian Democrats and Democratic Labor Party. This was largely due to the Greens’ clear policy stances and increasing public concern over environmental issues.
Core Beliefs and Principles
The Greens’ political philosophy is grounded in green politics, encompassing:
Environmental protection
Social justice
Grassroots democracy
Sustainability
They have been at the forefront of social reform, championing causes like marriage equality, expanded public housing, and Australia’s modern environmental movement.
While some critics label the Greens as a socialist party, the Greens themselves reject this classification. Instead, they promote a stakeholder capitalism model—advocating for a more equitable economic structure that doesn't necessarily require state ownership of the economy.
Key Election Policies in 2025
The Greens’ 2025 campaign platform includes bold, headline-grabbing policies aimed at economic reform and social welfare:
Free dental care under Medicare
50-cent public transport fares
The Homekeeper Policy, mandating discounted mortgage rates from major banks
Housing reform, including:
Restricting negative gearing and capital gains discounts to one pre-legislation investment property
Abolishing capital gains tax discounts for all other assets
These proposals are ambitious and would require significant government spending. The Greens argue that restructuring corporate tax—particularly targeting large multinationals—would fund these initiatives. However, critics from Labor and conservative parties warn that higher corporate taxes may lead to cost-push inflation, reduced business incentives, and diminished global competitiveness.
Challenges Facing the Greens
Despite growing support, the Greens face several key challenges:
Shifting Public PrioritiesWith cost-of-living pressures, inflation, and the housing crisis dominating headlines, environmental concerns have taken a back seat in some demographics. Still, according to Mission Australia’s 2024 Youth Survey, climate change (34%) and equality/discrimination (31%) remain top issues for Gen Z—demographics where the Greens perform strongest.
Conservative OppositionRight-wing lobby groups like Advance Australia have launched targeted campaigns (e.g. “Green Truth”) designed to undermine the Greens’ message and voter base, particularly in Queensland.
Electoral CompetitionThe Greens are under pressure in key electorates like Ryan and Brisbane, where Labor is campaigning hard to unseat them and reduce the Coalition’s influence. Even if the Greens gain Senate power, their influence could be limited if major parties unite to bypass them on key legislation.
Limited Mainstream ReachThe party still struggles to gain widespread traction among older Australians. However, the rise of independent media and social platforms has allowed the Greens to bypass traditional gatekeepers and engage younger audiences directly.
The Bottom Line
As disillusionment with major parties grows, the Greens are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the next Parliament. Whether they will succeed depends on their ability to balance environmental integrity with economic pragmatism, broaden their appeal, and effectively use their platform to influence public debate.
The Greens’ evolution from a fringe environmental movement to a serious parliamentary force marks a shift in Australia’s political landscape—and one that’s likely to have lasting effects.
