Greens to Labor: Stop Fighting Us or Risk Handing Power to the Liberal Party Federally

Greens MP Chandler-Mather speaks during the Greens national campaign in Brisbane, Australia, on May 16, 2022. Dan Peled/Getty Images

After setbacks in inner-city Brisbane, the Greens have called for the centre-left Labor Party to work with it on key issues, hoping to avoid a repeat performance in the upcoming federal elections.

The Greens experienced swings against them in the two inner-city Queensland seats they hold and is poised to lose South Brisbane to Labor.

In a press conference on Oct. 28, Greens leader Adam Bandt said, “There’s a message here for Labor.”

“They’re spending their time and money fighting the Greens instead of winning elections, which opens the door for the Liberals.”

Bandt said Australians were looking for immediate solutions, urging Labor to abandon its “my way or the highway” approach to passing legislation.

Earlier in the day, Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took aim at the Greens, claiming the party is obstructing the government’s Help to Buy and Build to Rent bills aimed at alleviating the housing crisis.

“People expected them to play a progressive role, not a blocking role,” Albanese said, underscoring Labor’s view that the Greens’ opposition is stalling urgently needed housing reform.

Opportunity to Collaborate

Bandt said Labor and the Greens have an opportunity to make real progress on issues such as housing, cost of living, and climate change.

“Policies like a rent freeze and taxing big corporations are popular. It’s time for Labor to listen to what people actually want,” he said.

Queensland Greens MP Michael Berkman echoed Bandt’s statements, expressing disappointment with the election outcome.

“It’s a disappointing result for the Greens and for Queensland,” Berkman said, “Because we now have a conservative LNP government.”

He pointed out that Labor’s vote only recovered in Queensland after adopting policies previously championed by the Greens. These included 50 cent public transport tickets, free school meals, and accessible healthcare options.

“Labor saw positive responses when they took on our policies. I hope they take that lesson forward.”

Max Chandler-Mather, Greens MP for Griffith, reinforced this sentiment, cautioning that Labor’s current stance towards the Greens could lead to a repeat of the Queensland election outcome at the federal level.

“Federal Labor can now see the results of attacking the Greens rather than collaborating. If they stay on this path, they risk handing the keys to [Opposition Leader] Peter Dutton, which would be terrible for Australians who need immediate help with cost-of-living and housing.”

Disputes over CFMEU Support

Following the state election, federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek criticised Chandler-Mather’s support for the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).

The union is currently under investigation for alleged criminal ties and has been put under administration by the Labor government.

“People were shocked to see Chandler-Mather defend the CFMEU on a truck instead of pushing for affordable housing. They’re stalling housing and environmental reform,” Plibersek said.

Chandler-Mather responded, saying the Greens oppose attacks on the separation of powers and won’t support a federal overreach that undermines the rule of law.

“We don’t support a precedent where the government seizes control of civil organisations. The rule of law and natural justice must prevail.”