Share this @internewscast.com

Max Chandler-Mather says he is “really proud” of his work in giving renters a voice on the national stage, as he reflected on his “miserable” time in parliament.
The outgoing Greens housing spokesperson said they operated against “often very hostile two major parties” and that he is “quite happy” about not spending more time in the House of Representatives.
Chandler-Mather spoke to Triple J’s Hack program
“I really feel really proud of a lot of the work we have done over the last three years,” Chandler-Mather said on Tuesday evening.

“I think what makes me most proud is amplifying renters’ voices on a national level. Frequently, we’re overlooked and treated as second-class citizens. At the very least, we managed to bring attention to this issue on the national stage.”

‘I don’t regret a thing’

He said the result “is always a possibility”.
“It was always going to be a risk, when you’re fighting these really big institutions — the property and banking industry, the major political parties, parts of the media establishment — and you’re going out there saying renters deserve a little bit, and people on low incomes deserve a bit more.
“There was always going to be a risk that you were going to cop a bit of hostility.
“I take that as a point of pride, but it always comes with risk. I don’t regret a thing, really.”
But he said he feels he has let a lot of people down.

“We helped build a lot of hope and then we lost in Griffith. Ultimately, I have to take responsibility for that.”

A ‘bloody awful’, ‘miserable’ workplace

The election was a night of mixed results for the Greens, with the party losing two of its Brisbane seats.
Party leader Adam Bandt’s seat of Melbourne remains undecided at time of publication.
Despite this, Bandt said on Monday that the party has received a record Senate vote this election, and is on track to take 11 upper house seats.
Chandler-Mather said the Greens were subject to a “massive collapse in the Liberal vote that transferred to Labor”.
“We were operating against often very hostile two major parties,” he said.
“I’ll be honest — one of the things I’m quite happy about at the moment is I don’t have to spend more time in the House of Representatives. Because basically every time I stood up, I got screamed and yelled at.

“In terms of a workplace, it was bloody awful, and frankly a lot of the time, miserable.”

Later responding to a question on criticisms directed towards the Greens, including slowing progress on issues such as housing and undelivered promises like rent freezes, he said: “Parliament is a sick place, can I just say? Genuinely.”
“There were times when I was sitting in parliament and you’d watch both sides of politics team up to defend the stage three tax cuts.
“Then we were getting attacked because we said we should spend a bit more on public housing and give something for renters.
“I feel proud of that work … and I think if I had my time again, I would do it all again.”

“Did it have an effect? Maybe that lost us some votes.”

‘Of course we have fallen short’

Chandler-Mather acknowledged the party had fallen short when it came to lower house seats — which was “bitterly disappointing”.
“But I think there is a lot of reason for hope,” he said.
“We need to work out how to do better. Two days out from the election, [I] don’t have all the answers.”

For the latest from SBS News, and .
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Receives Four-Year Prison Sentence

Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced on Friday to more than four years…
At the AFR Asia Summit Andrew Hastie, Shadow Minister for Defence, talks at the summit in Melbourne

Leading Politicians Respond to Andrew Hastie’s Departure from Liberal Front Bench

Sussan Ley’s leadership of the Liberal Party has been rocked by Andrew…
Hamas agrees to release hostages after 'accepting' parts of peace plan

Hamas Agrees to Release Hostages After ‘Accepting’ Elements of Peace Proposal

Hamas says it has accepted some elements of US President Donald Trump’s…

Underworld Figure Tony Mokbel’s Appeal Outcome Decided by Court

Three appeal judges have delivered a split decision in underworld figure Tony…
Canning Vale

Perth Teenager in Critical Condition Following Car Park Stabbing Incident

A 16-year-old boy is clinging to life after being stabbed several times…
Woman dies in rafting incident in Tasmania's south-west

Woman Loses Life in Rafting Accident in South-West Tasmania

A woman has died in a rafting accident in a remote part…

When Does Daylight Saving Time Start in Australia and How to Adjust Your Clocks

On Sunday, many Australians will lose an hour of sleep as daylight…

All You Need to Know About the 2025 NRL and NRLW Grand Finals

It’s set to be a big weekend for rugby league fans, with…
First female Archbishop of Canterbury in history of Church of England appointed

Historic Appointment: First Woman Named Archbishop of Canterbury in Church of England

Sarah Mullally, the bishop of London, has been announced as Archbishop of…

Fresh Development in Controversial Pamphlet Case Aiming at Teal MP Allegra Spender

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has launched legal action against a person…

Watchdogs State There’s No Proof Blueberries Are Unsafe, Despite Concerns Over Banned Pesticides

The NSW environment and food watchdogs say there is “no evidence” blueberries…
Sean 'Diddy' Combs set to be sentenced, faces possibility of years in prison

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Awaits Sentencing, Could Face Several Years Behind Bars

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sentencing hearing commenced on Friday (Saturday morning AEST) for…