The short version
- Larissa Waters has resigned as leader of the Australian Greens to focus on treating a pre-existing kidney condition that has worsened recently.
- The party is scheduled to hold a leadership ballot next week, with several senior senators expected to contest the position.
- This transition occurs after the Greens suffered major electoral setbacks, retaining only one seat in the lower house following the 2025 federal election.
Larissa Waters has announced her resignation as leader of the Australian Greens, citing deteriorating health that requires immediate medical attention. The decision marks a significant shift for the opposition party, which is currently navigating a period of intense internal scrutiny and electoral vulnerability. A meeting of the parliamentary party room is scheduled for next week to select a successor, ensuring a swift transition during this critical political moment.
Waters disclosed that she has been managing a pre-existing kidney disease, but her condition has declined significantly over recent months. While medical professionals have offered a positive prognosis for recovery, the demands of leadership, particularly the extensive travel required, are interfering with her ability to prioritize treatment. She intends to take a period of medical leave before returning to her role as a senator representing Queensland.
The resignation comes shortly after Waters assumed leadership following the 2025 federal election, in which former leader Adam Bandt lost his lower house seat. The Greens experienced substantial losses during that vote, reducing their presence in the lower house to a single member, Elizabeth Watson-Brown. These results have sparked frustration among party members regarding their ability to connect with voters, especially as major parties see support shift toward One Nation.
Waters emphasized that the movement requires a leader in robust health to guide it toward success in future elections. She expressed sadness that illness has curtailed her tenure but stressed that passing leadership to someone else positions the party better for upcoming challenges. Her statement highlighted the need to focus on people rather than corporate interests, which she associates with Labor, Liberal, and One Nation parties.
During her brief time as leader, Waters pointed to several legislative achievements, including negotiations with Labor on environmental law reforms and the introduction of stricter gun laws following the Bondi Beach terror attack. She also acknowledged her earlier work as a spokesperson for women, where she helped shape an independent parliamentary workplace watchdog based on recommendations from Kate Jenkins’ report into Parliament House culture.
Several high-profile figures are expected to contest the leadership ballot. Deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi is among those likely to run, alongside senators Sarah Hanson-Young, David Shoebridge, and Nick McKim. The selection process will determine who guides the party through its current period of consolidation and strategic realignment.
Waters’ political career has been marked by both resilience and controversy. First elected to the Senate in 2011, she was forced to resign in July 2017 after it was discovered she held dual Canadian citizenship during a broader eligibility crisis. After renouncing her citizenship, she returned to the upper house in September 2018 to fill a vacancy, eventually serving as co-deputy leader under both Bandt and Richard Di Natale.
The Greens attribute their recent electoral losses to a complex shift in voter preferences rather than a direct rejection of their platform. Party officials argue that a drop in votes for the Liberal party benefited Labor candidates, while unfavorable preference flows further diminished Green prospects. Despite these setbacks, Waters remains committed to advocating for climate action and women’s safety upon her return to parliament.
As the party prepares for the leadership contest, the focus will likely turn to strategies for rebuilding voter trust and expanding their electoral base. The new leader will face the challenge of revitalizing the Greens’ appeal in a political landscape where minor parties are gaining traction. Waters’ departure underscores the personal toll of high-stakes politics while highlighting the structural pressures facing smaller opposition groups.
The upcoming leadership vote represents a pivotal moment for the Australian Greens. With only one lower house seat retained, the party must redefine its identity and messaging to remain relevant in future elections. The outcome will shape not only the direction of the Greens but also their ability to influence national policy debates on environmental and social issues.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Larissa Waters steps down as Greens leader due to ill health
