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Australian Greens to elect new leader after Waters steps down due to health

Larissa Waters resigns as Australian Greens co-leader due to health issues, triggering a leadership vote scheduled for next week.

Australian Greens to elect new leader after Waters steps down due to health

The upcoming vote will determine who joins Bandt as the new co-leader

Larissa Waters has resigned as co-leader of the Australian Greens, citing ongoing health issues, triggering a leadership vote scheduled for next week. Her surprise announcement came late last night, ending her tenure alongside Adam Bandt and prompting immediate internal party discussions about succession. The decision follows a period of reduced public appearances and medical advice she said she could no longer ignore. The Greens confirmed Waters will remain a senator for Queensland until the leadership spill concludes, ensuring continuity in parliamentary representation. Party officials emphasized her resignation was not related to internal conflicts but purely health-driven, with Waters stating she needed to prioritize recovery.

The upcoming vote will determine who joins Bandt as the new co-leader, shaping the party’s direction ahead of the next federal election. What prompted Waters’ sudden departure from leadership? Waters revealed she had been managing a chronic health condition that recently worsened, making it impossible to fulfill the demanding responsibilities of the co-leadership role. She said medical professionals advised her to step back to avoid further complications, a recommendation she accepted after careful consideration. Her statement expressed regret at leaving colleagues but stressed that her wellbeing must come first, a stance supported by senior Greens figures who praised her honesty and dedication. How will the leadership change affect the Greens’ political strategy? Analysts suggest the transition may shift the party’s emphasis, depending on who succeeds Waters, particularly regarding climate policy and social justice priorities.

Bandt is expected to retain his influence

Bandt is expected to retain his influence, but the new co-leader could bring different regional strengths or policy emphases from outside Queensland. The party aims to present a unified front during the leadership contest to maintain voter confidence and avoid perceptions of instability amid rising cost-of-living pressures. Frequently Asked Questions Who is eligible to vote in the Greens leadership spill? Only registered members of the Australian Greens party can participate in the leadership ballot, which will be conducted via preferential voting next week. The process is open to all current financial members across states and territories. Will Larissa Waters continue to serve in parliament? Yes, Waters confirmed she will remain a senator for Queensland and continue her parliamentary duties while focusing on her health recovery. She intends to contribute to policy work but without the added demands of the leadership role. When will the new co-leader be announced?

The party expects to declare the outcome of the leadership vote by mid-next week, following the completion of voting and count verification procedures. Official results will be published through the Greens’ national secretariat.

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Content written by Martin Farrer for pressnook.com editorial team, AI-assisted.

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