A progressive Parliament: Greens hold the key

Thank you, Southbank. In the recent federal election, your overwhelming support propelled the Greens to achieve our highest-ever vote share in this community. This trust you’ve placed in us is both humbling and a strong signal of your desire for progressive reform.

One of the most significant outcomes of this election is the Greens holding the sole balance of power in the Senate. This position offers a unique opportunity: Labor can choose to collaborate with us to enact transformative reforms that genuinely improve lives or align with the Liberals for more of the same policies that have failed many Australians.

Southbank residents have consistently voiced their concerns about climate action, housing affordability, and social justice. With the Greens’ pivotal role in the Senate, we are committed to translating your concerns into tangible outcomes.

Over the next parliamentary term, crucial nature protection bills will come before the Senate. Our environment is in crisis, and with the Greens holding the balance, there’s a powerful opportunity to halt biodiversity loss, protect threatened species, and ensure a safe climate future. Labor can choose to back real climate action and meaningful environmental protections or revert to token gestures that fail our planet. This means healthier, greener spaces for Southbank residents and a cleaner, safer Yarra River environment.

But this opportunity isn’t just about the environment. With housing affordability at crisis levels across Melbourne, including here in Southbank – where more than 60 per cent of residents are renters – we need immediate, bold action. The Greens are committed to legislating rent freezes, strengthening renters’ rights, and investing in genuinely affordable public and social housing. These policies will directly benefit our community, providing relief to thousands currently struggling with high rents and insecure housing.

Labor also faces a clear choice on inequality. The Greens’ proposals – like a billionaire wealth tax, closing corporate tax loopholes, and ensuring multinationals pay their fair share – could fund essential services, ease the cost-of-living crisis, and help lift millions of Australians out of poverty.

Southbank residents would see real improvements in local amenities, healthcare access, and education quality, funded by making sure big corporations contribute fairly.

This parliament can be remembered as one of the most progressive in Australian history. Labor’s willingness to collaborate with the Greens can deliver a future where our Southbank community thrives, our natural world is protected, and the economy works for everyone – not just a privileged few.

Your voices shape our actions. Together, let’s hold Labor accountable and choose progress over politics. Join us to build a fairer, greener future right here in Southbank.

We’re always here to listen – please reach out to share your concerns and priorities with your local Greens representatives. •

Senator Steph Hodgins-May & Katherine Copsey, MLC for Southern Metro