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| Greens South Australia | |
|---|---|
| Name | Greens South Australia |
| Foundation | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Position | Left-wing to green |
| National | Australian Greens |
Greens South Australia is the South Australian branch of the Australian Greens, active in Adelaide and regional centres such as Mount Gambier, Whyalla, and Port Lincoln. Founded amid environmental and social movements linked to the Frank Fenner era of conservation activism and the aftermath of campaigns like the protests over the Woomera Test Range and logging on the Tantanoola coast, the party has engaged with issues spanning climate policy, indigenous rights, and urban planning in the tradition of international green parties such as Green Party of England and Wales, German Green Party, and Green Party of Canada. It interfaces with statutory institutions including the Parliament of South Australia, federal bodies such as the Parliament of Australia, and civic groups like the Australian Conservation Foundation and GetUp!.
The branch emerged from networks that included activists from campaigns against the Maralinga nuclear tests, conservationists associated with the National Trust of South Australia, and community organisers influenced by the World Wide Fund for Nature and Friends of the Earth. Early milestones referenced campaigns around the Adelaide Plains and opposition to projects tied to the Hindmarsh Island bridge controversy, intersecting with advocacy by figures linked to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy movement and legal developments in the Native Title Act 1993. Electoral activity increased following coordination with the Australian Democrats and strategic lessons from the Green Left Weekly and international green successes at European Parliament elections. The branch adapted tactics from environmental litigation exemplified by cases such as Edwards v. National Coal Board and engaged with national debates triggered by events like the Gulf War and inquiries such as the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody.
Greens South Australia operates within the federated model connecting to the Australian Greens national council, with internal organs reflecting models used by the European Green Party and Global Greens. Decision-making bodies include a state council, local electorate assemblies in districts like Adelaide, Unley, and coordinators for youth aligned to movements like Australian Student Environment Network. It interacts institutionally with the Electoral Commission of South Australia for enrollment and ballot management and uses campaign strategies informed by research from think tanks such as the Australia Institute and international partners like the Green European Foundation.
Electoral results have varied across levels: representation in the Parliament of South Australia's Legislative Council and intermittent success at federal level in the Senate of Australia reflect patterns similar to those experienced by the Greens New South Wales and Greens Victoria. Notable contests occurred in state elections held alongside national polls influenced by crises such as the 2008 global financial crisis and policy debates after events like the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The branch has contested electorates including Boothby, Sturt, and local government wards in councils like the City of Adelaide and City of Mount Gambier. Electoral strategies have drawn on preference deals seen in contests involving the Australian Labor Party, Liberal Party of Australia, and minor parties such as the Family First Party.
Policy priorities emphasize climate action inspired by commitments similar to the Paris Agreement, biodiversity protection targeting areas like the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island, and reconciliation measures referencing reports such as the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Platform elements include renewable energy transitions aligned with research from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and protections for marine environments like the Great Australian Bight Marine Park. Social policy draws on principles advanced by advocates associated with the Australian Council of Social Service and health reforms influenced by debates in the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Members and representatives have included legislators in the South Australian Legislative Council and candidates for the Senate of Australia, with officeholders participating in parliamentary committees such as those on environment and infrastructure. Prominent political figures in the wider movement have engaged with unions like the Australian Council of Trade Unions and civil society organisations including Amnesty International and Environmental Justice Australia. The branch maintains affiliated networks with community groups like Landcare and arts organisations including the Adelaide Festival.
Campaign efforts have targeted projects such as mineral developments in regions like the Eyre Peninsula and proposals involving corporations like BHP. Direct action and advocacy have at times paralleled movements such as Sea Shepherd Conservation Society interventions and protest campaigns like those against the Northern Territory Intervention. Campaigns have coordinated with legal advocacy through organisations like the Environmental Defenders Office and public awareness drives involving media outlets including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Advertiser (Adelaide).
The branch has faced criticism from opponents including the Liberal Party of Australia and media scrutiny referencing positions on issues like nuclear energy in the context of debates around the Royal Commission into South Australian History and contentious development proposals such as the Santos gas projects. Internal disputes have mirrored tensions seen in other green parties, involving debates over candidate selection, policy emphases, and alliances with groups such as GetUp! and the Australian Greens national leadership. Allegations in some cycles involved clashes with local council procedures in areas like the City of Port Adelaide Enfield and public disagreements with stakeholders including the Primary Producers SA.
Category:Political parties in South Australia Category:Australian Greens