The Queensland Greens, more commonly referred to as simply ‘The Greens’ are a parliamentary party under the officer Kirsten Kennedy. They are the third largest party in Australia with the fourth most numerous elected representatives in the country. Formed in 1992, as an umbrella to eight pre-existing state parties; they presented a message of ecological sustainability, social justice, grassroots democracy, and peace. As one of the first green parties in the world they are a long-standing advocate for many issues. But what are their policies? 

The Greens are known for their progressive and forward-thinking policies that aim to address the most pressing issues of our time. Their platform centres around environmental sustainability, but their vision extends far beyond just conservation efforts. Let’s break down some of their key policies: 

Climate Action 

The Greens are committed to achieving net-zero emissions as quickly as possible. They advocate for an urgent transition to renewable energy sources, with a focus on solar, wind, and battery storage, while phasing out fossil fuels like coal and gas. 

Social Justice 

The Greens stand for equality in all aspects of life. They push for stronger support for First Nations communities, universal healthcare, affordable housing, and reforms to address systemic racism, sexism, and discrimination across Australia. 

Economic Reform 

The Greens envision a fairer economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. Their policies include taxing large corporations, closing tax loopholes for the ultra-rich, and investing heavily in public services such as healthcare, education, and public transport. 

Biodiversity and Conservation 

Protecting Australia's unique wildlife and natural landscapes is a cornerstone of their agenda. The Greens propose stricter environmental protections and funding for national parks, while ensuring sustainable farming and land management practices are prioritized. 

Democracy and Participation 

The Greens advocate for a more transparent and accountable government. They want to reduce the influence of corporate donations in politics, implement proportional representation in parliament, and support grassroots democracy, giving everyday Australians more power to influence decision-making. 

Public Services and Welfare 

The Greens are champions of improving public services, whether that be in health, education, or transport. They support boosting funding for public schools and universities, creating a more equitable welfare system, and ensuring all Australians have access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. 

While the Greens' progressive platform has earned them growing support, they are not without their flaws or criticisms. One of the most frequently mentioned concerns is that their ambitious policies, particularly on climate action, are seen as economically unrealistic by some critics. The rapid transition away from fossil fuels and the heavy investment required for renewable infrastructure could lead to significant job losses in traditional industries like mining and gas, particularly in regions dependent on these sectors. Additionally, some argue that their economic reform plans, such as higher taxes on corporations and the ultra-wealthy, may discourage investment and business growth in Australia. There are also concerns that the Greens' focus on environmental and social justice issues sometimes lacks the necessary pragmatism to garner broad, cross-party support, limiting their ability to effectively influence legislation. These criticisms suggest that while their vision is bold, the feasibility and economic impact of their policies remain points of contention for many voters.