Waters Takes Helm of Australian Greens

Miko Santos

May 15, 2025

Transcript

Today is May 16 and here is your news briefing!

The Mencari readers receive journalism free of financial and political influence.

We set our own news agenda, which is always based on facts rather than billionaire ownership or political pressure.

Despite the financial challenges that our industry faces, we have decided to keep our reporting open to the public because we believe that everyone has the right to know the truth about the events that shape their world.

Thanks to the unwavering support of our readers, we're able to keep the news flowing freely. If you're able, please join us in supporting Mencari.

SUPPORT NOW

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP TRANSITION: Waters Takes Helm of Australian Greens

In a significant development within Australia's political landscape, Senator Larissa Waters has been elected unopposed as the new leader of the Australian Greens. The former environmental lawyer becomes the fifth leader in the party's history and notably the first Queenslander to lead the party.

During her inaugural address, Waters articulated the party's immediate priorities:

Climate action
Housing affordability
Cost of living relief
Nature protection
Public services funding

"It's never been more important to have a strong Greens team in Parliament. The issues that people are facing are getting harder and are getting worse," Waters stated during her acceptance speech.

The leadership reorganization also established:

Senator Mehreen Faruqi as Deputy Leader
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young as Manager of Business in the Senate
Senator Penny Ormond-Payne as Party Room Chair
Senator Nick McKim continuing as Whip

Waters paid tribute to former leader Adam Bandt, expressing that the party "missed him desperately" and hoped to welcome him back in the future.

DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT: Albanese Prioritizes Indonesia in First Post-Election Visi

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made Indonesia his first bilateral destination following his recent re-election victory, emphasizing the strategic importance of the relationship between the neighboring nations.

The visit marks Albanese's fourth trip to Indonesia as Prime Minister, underscoring Australia's "region first" approach to foreign policy.

"I chose Indonesia as the destination for this first visit very consciously, just as I did after the 2022 election," Albanese stated. "The relationship between Australia and Indonesia is so important - important for our defence and security, important for our economic future, and important for the region."

Economic Partnership Focus

Albanese highlighted Indonesia's projected economic growth, noting the nation is on track to become the world's fifth-largest economy by the end of the next decade. This economic trajectory presents "an enormous opportunity" for enhanced trade and investment relationships between the countries.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke for high-level discussions with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

INTERNAL POLITICAL FRICTION: Cabinet Reshuffle Exposes Labor Party Tensions

Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles has defended the recent Cabinet reshuffle following public criticism from former Industry Minister Ed Husic, who labeled Marles a "factional assassin" - an accusation Marles has rejected.

"These are collective processes. As I said, they are obviously difficult processes," Marles stated when questioned about the internal reorganization. "We have a caucus which is filled with talented people and there are so many people who would be able to admirably perform the role of ministers who are not ministers."

The reshuffle has displaced several prominent figures, including:

Ed Husic (former Industry Minister)
Mark Dreyfus (former Attorney-General)

Marles declined to elaborate on specific factional decisions, characterizing the process as "collective in nature" while acknowledging the contributions of those who lost ministerial positions.

SECURITY COOPERATION: Australia-Indonesia Defense Agreement Highlighted Amid Regional Concern

Regional security featured prominently in discussions between Australian and Indonesian officials, with both nations emphasizing the Defense Cooperation Agreement signed last year.

Security expert Susannah Patton from the Lowy Institute characterized the agreement as "a bit of a landmark" that facilitates greater military cooperation between the nations.

"It opened the way for the two countries to do many more exercises and training on each other's territories," Patton noted, adding that it "could facilitate or expedite the entry and exit of defence personnel between the two countries."

When questioned about potential Russian influence in the region, Prime Minister Albanese emphasized Australia would "continue to invest in our capability" while strengthening security arrangements with regional partners including Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines.

Got a News Tip?

Contact our editor via Proton Mail encrypted, X Direct Message, LinkedIn, or email. You can securely message him on Signal by using his username, Miko Santos.