Max Chandler-Mather, the newly appointed executive director of the Greens Institute, has launched a scathing critique of Australia's major political parties, accusing them of being "completely disconnected from ordinary people's lives." In an exclusive interview, Chandler-Mather outlined his vision for using "progressive economic populism" to win over voters who are increasingly turning to One Nation, as he takes on a key role in reshaping the Greens' strategy after his own electoral defeat in the 2025 federal election.
A New Direction for the Greens Institute
Chandler-Mather, who lost his seat to a Labor candidate in a surprising result alongside former leader Adam Bandt, has been tasked with closing capacity gaps exposed during the recent federal election. As the new head of the party's internal thinktank, he plans to organize thousands of volunteers to conduct a comprehensive survey of economic and social conditions across Australia. This initiative is modeled on the success of his door-knocking campaign in Queensland, which he believes can help rebuild direct connections with voters.
The Problem with Corporate Polling
According to Chandler-Mather, the major parties' over-reliance on corporate polling and focus groups has created a significant disconnect from everyday Australians. "If we want to build a mass movement, we need to reforge direct connection with ordinary people," he stated. He emphasized that going to every corner of the country and engaging with citizens is essential for developing policies that truly resonate with the majority. "It's funny that it sounds radical, but this organic connection is a fundamental precondition for a vision that speaks to people's lives," he added.
Progressive Populism as a Strategy
Chandler-Mather pointed to the recent surge in support for the UK Greens, who won a previously safe Labour seat in a byelection, as evidence that progressive economic populism can be effective. He argued that undoing key pillars of neoliberalism and exposing Labor's role in creating outdated systems should be major priorities for the Greens. After infuriating Labor and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during his time in parliament as the party's housing spokesperson, Chandler-Mather now aims to develop broader policies and train volunteers for upcoming state and federal elections.
Winning Over One Nation Voters
The former MP believes that the same voters moving to Pauline Hanson's One Nation are winnable for the Greens, citing issues like housing shortages, the high cost of living, and limited wage growth as reasons why Labor and the Coalition have lost touch with traditional constituencies. "The reality is if the Greens don't step up to the challenge, then the void left by Labor and the Liberals will be filled by One Nation, so the task this year is urgent," he warned. He shared anecdotes from his campaigning, including a grandparent in Griffith who switched from One Nation to the Greens because of a free breakfast program for children.
Polling and Political Shifts
Recent surveys show One Nation polling ahead of the Liberals and Nationals, with nearly 60% of Australians open to voting for the minor party. Hanson's success in winning four lower house seats in the South Australian state election last month underscores this trend. Chandler-Mather attributed this shift to voter frustration with an economic and political system that prioritizes corporate profits over the needs of vulnerable people.
Leadership and Policy Focus
When asked to compare current Greens leader Larissa Waters to former leader Adam Bandt, Chandler-Mather noted that leaders bring their own approaches, but policy remains the most critical element in winning new support. "That isn't solved by one leader or another, that's solved by the hard work of building out the infrastructure that the UK Greens have started working on, and we need to start building here in Australia," he concluded, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts over individual leadership styles.
