Greens launch state-wide campaign championing Victoria’s multicultural and diverse communities in the next Parliament

The Australian Greens Victoria are set to launch their Senate candidates today, reflecting the diversity, strength, and shared values of communities across both metro and regional Victoria, from indigenous community organisers to educators, employment mentors, and artists.

Experts predict that a minority government is likely, and it is virtually guaranteed that the government will not have a majority in the Senate. Greens Senators will play a critical role in the next parliament in keeping Dutton out, and pushing Labor to act. 

The Greens have chosen to launch the Senate campaign right in the heart of the communities they are fighting for. Power in the Community Assembly is an evening of music, food and politics that will bring together hundreds of supporters in Springvale South, in Melbourne’s south-east. 

This includes a large Hazara community, proudly represented by Senate candidate Nasser Yawari. Nasser Yawari came to Australia as a refugee, and wants to bring marginalised communities into the decision making process. 

“For too long, decisions have been made without input from the people who are most affected by them, and it’s no wonder that so many feel disconnected from the political process,” said Nasser Yawari. 

Joining Nasser is Maddie Slater, a staunch unionist, proud trans woman and renter with their wife and two teenage children in Geelong. 

“In a wealthy country like ours, everyone should be able to afford basic care,” said Maddy Slater.

Rachel Iampolski, a community and housing advocate, and urban geography researcher and educator at RMIT, wants to see massive investments in public housing. 

“Our government needs to take bold action to fix the housing crisis,’” said Rachel Iampolski.

Brittney Henderson, a Bunorong person who works in the non-for-profit sector, is running with the Greens to fight for a world where no one has to choose between putting food on the table and affording rent.

“I grew up in a big, loud, Aboriginal and queer family, which shaped my deep commitment to justice, community, and collective care” said Britnney Henderson.

Navera Ari, a creative artist and community advocate, is sick of big corporations paying no tax while people in their community struggle with the costs of essentials. 

“As an African raised in Australia, I deeply value our multicultural communities in Melbourne and bring my lived experience to inform how we can make better decisions for everyone.” said Navera Ari.

Quotes attributable to leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt: 

“The Greens will keep Dutton out and get Labor to act, and I’m proud to launch this strong team of Senate candidates that will truly represent the community, not corporate donors.

“Experts are predicting a minority government, but no one will have a majority in the Senate, so Greens senators will be critical to stop bad legislation and make good bills better.

“In this term of Parliament, Greens senators have won billions of dollars for public and community housing, stopped climate pollution, secured workers the right to disconnect, delivered a national anti-corruption commission and pushed Labor to abolish the childcare activity test.

“In the next parliament, Greens senators will continue pushing for action on climate, education, health and housing.”

Quotes attributable to Greens Senator for Victoria, Steph Hodgins-May:

“I’m so proud to campaign alongside these incredible community-rooted leaders who represent the best of Victoria. We’re running as a team that reflects Victoria’s diversity and strength.

“Across the country, communities are being taken for granted. Rent is skyrocketing. Wages are flat. Climate impacts are devastating communities and yet the Labor government has greenlit 30 new coal and gas projects.

“This election the Greens are within reach of winning seats and being in the balance of power. With more Greens in Parliament, we can keep Dutton out and get Labor to act