WA Senator Dorinda Cox Quits Greens Joins Labor Increasing Senate Numbers

Western Australian Senator Dorinda Cox has defected from the Greens to join the Labor Party, a move that boosts Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's numbers in federal parliament and reduces the Greens' Senate representation from 11 to 10. Cox, a former Indigenous police officer and Yamatji-Noongar woman, cited her desire to effect change from within government rather than from the crossbench as a key reason for the switch, emphasizing her commitment to serving Western Australia. She had recently unsuccessfully contested leadership positions within the Greens and expressed frustration with the party's direction, particularly regarding perceived extremism under deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi. Labor confirmed that Cox approached them without demands and had undergone thorough scrutiny concerning past bullying allegations before her admission. Albanese welcomed Cox as a valuable addition to the government, highlighting her experience and policy development potential. Cox informed Greens leader Larissa Waters of her decision shortly before going public, and the Labor Party's National Executive approved her admission promptly.