THIS election, The Greens set out to “keep Dutton out and get Labor to act”. 

Mission accomplished. 

While there’s been plenty of commentary on Adam Bandt losing the seat of Melbourne, we’ve seen decidedly less media focus on Greens’ results in the Senate and overall. With 11 Greens Senators representing all six states, the Greens hold the balance of power in their own right, making it impossible for Labor to get anything passed without their support. This will result in better outcomes for everyone (except maybe billionaires and fossil fuel corporations) and especially those who are disadvantaged by current systems that are skewed towards the rich and greedy.

With almost 8000 votes in Gippsland, the Greens polled as well as we ever have and AEC statistics demonstrate steady growth. As the Greens don’t take political donations from fossil fuel giants or mining billionaires, our campaigns will always be grassroots and reliant on people power. This means we have rich conversations with locals and can influence Greens policies while adding our voices to local campaigns – the anti-nuclear movement in the Latrobe Valley being a prime example.

I would like to thank all of the Gippsland Greens voters for your support – and recognise that many of you are also volunteers, helping to get our messages out and envisioning a fairer world where compassion for people and the planet is at the heart of political decision making. I express my gratitude especially to the campaign team and everyone who handed out how to vote cards at polling booths. You have helped to give people hope and a progressive option to vote for. I look forward to ongoing inspirational conversations as we will continue to grow this movement across Gippsland and across Australia.

Rochelle Hine, Greens candidate, Gippsland