Adam Bandt is an Australian politician who has served as the Leader of the Australian Greens since October 2020 and as the Member for Melbourne in the House of Representatives since 2010. Born in Adelaide in 1972, Bandt studied law at Murdoch University and later earned a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne. Before entering politics, he worked as an industrial relations lawyer, representing workers and unions, which shaped his progressive political outlook. He became the first Greens candidate to win a House of Representatives seat at a general election when he secured Melbourne in 2010, breaking the traditional two-party dominance in the lower house.
Throughout his parliamentary career, Bandt has established himself as a prominent advocate for climate action, workers' rights, and social justice. He played a crucial role during the Gillard government's minority period (2010-2013), when the Greens held the balance of power, helping to secure the passage of carbon pricing legislation. As Greens Leader, he has positioned the party as a progressive alternative to the major parties, advocating for ambitious climate targets including net-zero emissions by 2035, dental and mental health care inclusion in Medicare, affordable housing initiatives, and wealth taxes on billionaires. Under his leadership, the Greens achieved their best-ever federal election result in 2022, winning four House of Representatives seats and 12 Senate seats, significantly expanding their parliamentary representation and influence in Australian politics.