David Shoebridge elected Australian Greens leader

David Shoebridge has been elected as the new leader of the Australian Greens following the resignation of Senator Larissa Waters due to illness. Upon his election, Shoebridge called for a significant overhaul of the US-Australia alliance, advocating for the eviction of United States forces from Australian defense facilities, specifically citing the Pine Gap surveillance base.

Shoebridge stated that the Greens should end military aid to Ukraine, though he maintained that the party opposes Russia’s invasion and supports other forms of assistance for the Ukrainian people. Additionally, he proposed scrapping the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pact and legalizing recreational cannabis as key campaign pillars for the next election.

As leader, Shoebridge intends to maintain his current portfolios in defense and foreign affairs, continuing his role in questioning intelligence and law enforcement officials during Senate estimates hearings.