The confirmation on Saturday that the Greens have edged ahead of Labor to secure the seat from the Liberals means the party has now won three extra seats – all in inner-Brisbane – to add to the seat of Melbourne.
Greens winner Stephen Bates (right) walks to the press conference with the party’s successful Griffith candidate,Max Chandler-Mather,at Brisbane’s King George Square on Saturday afternoon.Tony Moore
They have also won six Senate seats,giving them the balance of power in the upper house with 12 senators.
Bates,a former retail worker,described his win as “surreal”,telling reporters he had just spoken with Labor’s Brisbane candidate,Madonna Jarrett,who told him the ALP could not win the seat on the postal voting patterns.
“She congratulated me and wished me well for the future.
“I thank Labor and the former Member for Brisbane[Liberal Trevor Evans] for dedicating so much of their lives to the community.”
Stephen Bates edged ahead of Labor to win the seat of Brisbane.Dan Peled/Getty Images
The result means the Greens have won both inner-city seats either side of the Brisbane River,as well as the seat of Ryan,which stretches through western Brisbane.
Bates said there had been a mood for change among voters during the past 12 months.
“People were angry,people were fed up with the status quo,and people were fed up with the lack of action on climate change,” he said.
“People told us they wanted 100 per cent renewable energy,they wanted dental care in Medicare,they wanted action on the housing crisis.
“And it has turned into a victory for us this afternoon.”
Bates said he wanted to be a “loud and proud advocate for the community”.
“People told us they do not believe politicians listen to them in parliament. They don’t feel politicians make policies that represent their lives any more.”
Bates and Max Chandler-Mather arrived at King George Square in Brisbane’s CBD flanked by dozens of young,delighted supporters.
“What I and the Greens want to achieve right across Australia is giving them a voice in democracy once again,” Bates said. “Making policies that actually benefit people’s lives at the very material level.”
He said the election results showed the Greens,who won an additional Senate position in Queensland,will hold the balance of power in the upper house.
The Greens’ result was a “mandate to push the Labor government to go further on climate,and to go further on housing”,he added.
But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he won’t make policy deals with the Greens.
“Mr Albanese has to deal with the parliament that is given to him. He doesn’t get a say in that,” Bates said,“even if Labor does form a majority in the House.”
Bates said the climate crisis and integrity in politics were key issues that resonated in the community.
“I look forward to working with the community and strongly advocating for action on the big issues we face. There has been an uprising by young people at this election.
“As one of the youngest members of the new parliament,I believe my election is a message that the young people of Australia refuse to be pushed out any longer. We need action on climate,the housing and rental crisis,mental health into Medicare,student debt and job insecurity.”
Greens leader Adam Bandt said the party would be “the most powerful third party in parliament”.
“Stephen’s fantastic win means the Liberals’ defeat is even more profound,and we are in a stronger position to push the Albanese government to take action on climate and inequality,” he said.
Bates said housing and rental affordability issues in Brisbane,plus aircraft noise at the airport,“are going to be my priorities moving forward”.
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