Greens Leader Adam Bandt Hints at Formal Agreement with Labor in Case of Hung Parliament
With polls suggesting a hung parliament is a possibility in the next election, Greens leader Adam Bandt has indicated his party would seek a formal agreement with Labor to ensure stability and progress.
Bandt emphasized the importance of clarifying potential reforms in advance, stating that "working that out in advance, working out what the benefits will actually be for people and knowing how then the next three years would map out ... that is probably the priority."
This marks a significant shift for the Greens, who have traditionally adopted a more adversarial approach. However, recent electoral setbacks have prompted a new spirit of pragmatism, with the party backing the government on over 40 bills and reaching compromises on key issues.
Bandt cited former Greens leader Bob Brown's agreement with Julia Gillard in 2010 as a model for power-sharing, highlighting reforms such as Medicare-funded dental treatment for children. He envisions a similar approach in future negotiations, focusing on areas like health, housing, climate, and the environment.
While Bandt did not explicitly confirm a written agreement, he hinted at its formality. He also dismissed the idea of demanding a backdoor veto on the Labor leadership, stating that the Greens would work with whoever Labor chooses as their leader.
Priority areas for the Greens in a potential minority government include Medicare coverage for adult dental and mental health, free access to GPs, addressing soaring rents, and tackling climate change and environmental issues. Bandt believes that a minority government scenario would necessitate serious action on these crucial issues.