Jo Clay has been formally endorsed as the permanent parliamentary leader of the ACT Greens, following a party-room vote on Monday. The decision cements her position after she served as interim leader following Shane Rattenbury's resignation in December 2024.
Leadership transition
Clay, who has been the member for Ginninderra since 2020, received unanimous support from her colleagues. She becomes the first woman to lead the ACT Greens in a permanent capacity. The change comes after Rattenbury, who led the party for over a decade, stepped down citing a desire for new leadership ahead of the 2025 election.
“I am honoured to have the confidence of my colleagues to lead the ACT Greens into the next election,” Clay said. “We have a strong team and a clear vision for a fairer and more sustainable Canberra.”
Policy priorities
Clay outlined her immediate priorities, including affordable housing, climate action, and improving public transport. She emphasized the need for the Greens to maintain their influence in the Legislative Assembly, where they hold three seats and have been part of a power-sharing arrangement with Labor.
“Canberrans want real action on housing affordability and climate change, and we will continue to push for ambitious policies,” she said. The Greens have been instrumental in shaping territory legislation, including rent reforms and renewable energy targets.
Party reaction
ACT Greens convenor Andrew Braddock praised Clay’s leadership. “Jo has shown great dedication and skill in her interim role. We are confident she will lead us effectively through the next election campaign,” he said. The party’s membership overwhelmingly backed the decision, with 95% of votes cast in favor.
Rattenbury, who remains in the assembly as a backbencher, expressed his support. “Jo is a capable and principled leader. I look forward to working with her to advance Green values,” he said.
Electoral context
The leadership change comes as the ACT prepares for its next general election, expected in October 2025. The Greens currently hold the balance of power, having won three seats in the 2020 election. Recent polls suggest the party may face a challenge from independents and the Liberals, but Clay remains optimistic. “Our message resonates with Canberrans who want progressive change,” she said.
