Greens' Adam Bandt Concedes Melbourne Seat, Leadership Contest Begins

Greens leader Adam Bandt has conceded defeat in his long-held Melbourne seat to Labor's Sarah Witty, marking a significant shift as right-wing preferences from One Nation and Liberals helped Labor secure victory despite the Greens winning the most primary votes. This loss comes amid broader setbacks for the Greens, who are projected to retain only one lower house seat, represented by Elizabeth Watson-Brown, after losing others in the so-called 'greenslide' of 2022. Bandt's departure opens up the party’s leadership, with deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi and other prominent Senators considered likely contenders. The Greens' election strategy, particularly their opposition to Labor's housing and environmental legislation, has drawn criticism from both within and outside the party, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who argues the party has strayed from its core principles. Despite these lower house losses, the Greens maintain a strong presence in the Senate, where all upper house members facing re-election retained their seats. The results signal a period of reckoning and transition for the party as it reassesses its leadership and priorities.