Larissa Waters has been elected as the new leader of the Australian Greens, with Mehreen Faruqi as her deputy, following a significant shake-up in the party after the federal election on May 3, where the Greens lost three out of four House of Representatives seats.

The former leader, Adam Bandt, lost his seat in Melbourne, raising questions about the party's direction and communication with Australian voters.

During a recent leadership meeting, the newly elected leaders emphasized their commitment to social justice issues, including the ongoing Gaza conflict, which they described in stark terms.

Waters stated that the party would continue to condemn what they refer to as “genocide” in Gaza, signaling a clear stance against the Albanese government's position on the international crisis.

The expression of solidarity was visually underscored in a press conference where Waters and Faruqi, along with fellow Senators Sarah Hanson-Young, Nick McKim, and Penny Allman-Payne linked arms, reinforcing their united front.

Waters articulated that the party's agenda would not shift and emphasized that the Albanese government faces a choice: to partner with the Greens in pursuit of progressive policies or to align with the Coalition, as the current Senate dynamics limit Labor's legislative capabilities.

Faruqi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the Greens' support from migrant and multicultural communities regarding their opposition to the Gaza conflict.

She stated, "We are not going to take a step backwards," outlining the party's commitment to various causes including climate action and housing justice.

Hanson-Young, although a potential contender for leadership, chose not to run, citing an interest in team stability.

She will continue her current role as the party's manager of business.

Waters was elected unopposed while Faruqi secured the deputy leader position against Dorinda Cox with a vote of 9 to 3. McKim will serve as the party whip, with Allman-Payne taking on the role of party room chair and deputy whip.

The leadership transition and focus on entrenched party policies has attracted scrutiny from within and outside the party.

Former party co-founder Drew Hutton criticized the current leadership, urging a return to the Greens’ core environmental objectives.

He commented on the need for the party to avoid a 'hypermilitant' stance and to engage with the broader public effectively.

Additionally, Ian Cohen, the first Greens member elected to the NSW Parliament, called for a renewed emphasis on conservation as a priority for the party's agenda.

Waters reflected on her leadership style, differentiating herself from Bandt and stating her intent to lead with a constructive approach, emphasizing a strong, collaborative team dynamic.

As a long-standing member of the Senate and previously a community environmental lawyer, Waters sees her leadership as an opportunity for both firm advocacy on issues of social concern and a cooperative engagement with the government.