“People were angry, people were fed up with the status quo and people were fed up with the lack of action on climate change,” he said.
“People told us they wanted 100 percent renewable energy, they wanted Medicare dental care, they wanted action against the housing crisis.
“And this afternoon has been a victory for us.”
Bates said he wanted to be a “strong and proud advocate for the community.”
“People told us they don’t think politicians listen to them in parliament. They no longer feel that politicians make policies that represent their lives.”
Bates and Max Chandler-Mather arrived in King George Square at Brisbane CBD flanked by dozens of delighted young fans.
“What I and the Greens want to achieve across Australia is to give them a voice in democracy again,” Bates said. “Making policies that really benefit people’s lives on a material level.”
He said the election results showed that the Greens, who won an additional Senate seat in Queensland, would maintain the balance of power in the upper house.
The result of the Greens was a “mandate to push the Labor government to go further in terms of climate and housing,” he added.
But Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he will not make political deals with the Greens.
“Mr Albanese has to deal with the parliament that is being given to him. He has no say in that,” Bates said, “although Labor form a majority in the House.”
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Bates said the climate crisis and political integrity were key issues that resonated with the community.
“I look forward to working with the community and strongly advocating for action on the big issues we face. There has been a youth uprising in this election.
“As one of the youngest members of the new parliament, I think my election is a message that young people in Australia are refusing to be expelled anymore. We need action on the climate, the housing crisis and rent, health Medicare, student debt and job insecurity. “
Greens leader Adam Bandt said the party would be “the third most powerful party in parliament”.
“Stephen’s fantastic victory means that the defeat of the Liberals is even deeper, and we are in a stronger position to push the Albanian government to take action against climate and inequality,” he said.
Bates said affordable housing and rental issues in Brisbane, as well as the noise of planes at the airport, “will be my priorities for moving forward.”
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