The leader of Australia’s third-largest political party, the Greens, Adam Bandt, has conceded his seat in Melbourne after a highly contested federal election. Bandt had represented Melbourne since 2010 and was instrumental in advocating for progressive causes, including climate action and marriage equality. However, in the 2025 election, Bandt lost his seat to Labor candidate Sarah Witty following a tight race and lengthy vote count.
The ‘Trump Effect’ in Australia’s Election
Bandt attributed his loss to the influence of the so-called “Trump effect.” This phenomenon, which saw Australian voters moving away from the conservative Liberal-National Coalition, was fueled by comparisons between Coalition PM candidate Peter Dutton and former US President Donald Trump. Bandt explained, “People in Melbourne hate Peter Dutton, and with very good reason.” He believes that this dislike for Dutton contributed to a shift of votes from the Greens toward Labor, as voters saw Labor as the best option to distance Australia from Dutton’s politics. You can read more about the impact of the ‘Trump effect’ in the 2025 Australian election.
Greens Party Struggles and the Role of Preference Votes
Australia’s preferential voting system played a pivotal role in the Greens’ loss. While Bandt’s Greens received the highest first-preference vote in Melbourne, it wasn’t enough to secure victory. The redistribution of votes from the least popular candidates, including Liberal and One Nation votes, led to a Labor win. “To win in Melbourne, we needed to overcome Liberal, Labor, and One Nation combined, and it’s an Everest we’ve climbed a few times now, but this time we fell just short,” Bandt stated.
Bandt Reflects on His Political Journey
Despite the loss, Bandt expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Melbourne, citing numerous achievements under his leadership, such as advancing climate legislation and championing marriage equality. “Fighting the climate crisis is the reason I got into politics,” he said, thanking his supporters in Melbourne and beyond. He also paid tribute to his party’s growing representation in parliament. For more on the Greens’ environmental policies, you can explore Greenpeace Australia’s climate initiatives.
Bandt’s Call for Greater Action on Climate Crisis
In his final remarks, Bandt called on the media and the government to treat the climate crisis with the urgency it demands. “We’re in a climate crisis,” he urged, “and we should treat the climate crisis as if our country were being invaded. Please, start taking the climate crisis seriously.” This plea for climate action comes at a time when environmental issues are central to many voters, especially in Melbourne.
Conclusion
Adam Bandt’s loss in Melbourne highlights the shifting dynamics in Australian politics, with the ‘Trump effect’ playing a significant role in influencing voter behavior. Although his defeat marks the end of an era for the Greens in Melbourne, Bandt’s legacy in pushing forward progressive policies, especially on climate change, remains impactful. Learn more about Australia’s political landscape and Bandt’s contributions on Al Jazeera’s coverage of Australian politics.
Call to Action: Want to stay informed about Australia’s political changes? Check out our detailed coverage on Australian Politics in 2025.