Federal Greens choose NSW senator as newest leader

The Greens party has selected David Shoebridge as their new leader following the resignation of Larissa Waters due to health concerns. Shoebridge, a senator from New South Wales, was elected in 2022 as the party's lead candidate in the state. Prior to his federal politics career, Shoebridge spent a decade in the NSW upper house and had a background as a barrister.

Previously affiliated with the Labor party in the 1990s, Shoebridge moved away from the organization due to dissatisfaction. In his time as a federal senator, he gained recognition for his direct approach during estimates hearings and served as the party's spokesperson for defense and foreign affairs. He advocated for the cancellation of the AUKUS submarine deal with the United States and additional sanctions against Israel for its actions in Gaza.

Shoebridge was one of several candidates for the leadership position, which included Sarah Hanson-Young and Mehreen Faruqi, Larissa Waters' deputy. Waters announced her departure from the leadership due to a chronic kidney disease. The candidates, including Nick McKim, submitted their bids for the leadership position. Shoebridge, along with Victorian Steph Hodgins-May, emerged as the frontrunners and proceeded to the final vote.

In the final tally, Shoebridge secured seven votes to Faruqi's four, with Hanson-Young eliminated after the first count. Shoebridge becomes the sixth individual to lead the federal Greens in parliament.