Sarah Hanson-Young Speaks Out on Brutal Greens Leadership Divisions 2026

Sarah Hanson-Young has spoken out about the brutal divisions within the Greens party room, offering support to newly elected leader David Shoebridge while describing politics as "brutal". The South Australian senator contested Wednesday's leadership ballot, finishing behind Shoebridge and outgoing deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi.

Hanson-Young's Defiant Message After Leadership Loss

In a video posted to social media after a bush walk with her husband on Thursday, Hanson-Young said: "God, politics can be brutal. Friendships made and lost, but it takes all types. We all care so deeply about the future of this country and the future of the planet."

She was eliminated after the first ballot with only two votes, a result that underscores the deep fractures within the party. Former leader Larissa Waters shocked colleagues by resigning on Monday over serious health concerns, triggering the leadership contest.

Support for New Leader David Shoebridge

Despite her loss, Hanson-Young offered her support to Shoebridge, saying it would take a huge effort to defeat One Nation and its leader, Pauline Hanson. She warned that "the radical right" would wreck the country if it wins power.

"Australians deserve an optimistic, caring, and defiant progressive force, and I won’t be backing down," she said. "I’m sorry we couldn’t pull it off this time, but buckle up, because we’ve got a lot of work to do."

Faruqi Criticises Leadership Process

Her comments come a day after Faruqi criticised her colleagues for electing Shoebridge and demanded the party’s rank-and-file members be given a say in future leadership elections. Greens sources say Shoebridge and Faruqi have had a tense relationship, and the contest has laid bare ideological and personal rifts.

Key Takeaways

• Hanson-Young received only two votes in the first ballot, highlighting internal divisions.
• She remains committed to fighting the "radical right" and One Nation.
• Faruqi calls for grassroots involvement in leadership elections.
• Waters' resignation due to health concerns triggered the leadership spill.

Comparing the Candidates

What This Means for the Greens

The leadership change comes at a critical time for the Greens, who are striving to present a united front against the Coalition and One Nation. Hanson-Young's comments reflect the emotional toll of internal battles, but also a determination to keep fighting for progressive causes.

As the party moves forward under Shoebridge, the challenge will be to heal divisions and rally members around a shared vision. Hanson-Young's pledge not to back down suggests she will remain a vocal force within the party, even from the backbench.

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