5 May 2026
The SA Greens say they will be key balance of power players in the new parliament, with Labor’s numbers on the floor reduced to 9 as they have assumed the Presidency of the Legislative Council.
Quotes attributable to Greens SA Leader Robert Simms MLC
“The Greens welcome the fact that Labor has finally stepped up and accepted the Presidency, and we congratulate Regie Martin on securing this role. This means that the Government will require 2 votes to pass their legislative agenda in the Upper House. The Greens stand ready to work with the Labor Government where possible, but we will also hold their feet to the fire on climate and cost of living. With our strongest vote ever, we have been given a strong mandate from the people of South Australia to hold this Labor Government to account and to deliver outcomes for people and our environment.
The choice for Labor this term is stark. Will they work with the Greens or will they side with One Nation – the party of ugly division to deliver their legislative agenda? Labor hasn’t got off to a good start with news today that they offered One Nation the Legislative Council Presidency. This craven move smacks of pure political opportunism.”
Quotes attributable to Melanie Selwood MLC
“It’s an honour to have been elected as the next Greens MLC in the State Parliament. I’m incredibly excited to get to work.”
“The cost of living is soaring, climate change is directly impacting our lives, and the gap between the rich and the rest of us continues to grow. I’ll be fighting alongside the community to go further and faster on climate action, to urgently drive down the cost of living, to address inequality, reverse biodiversity loss and create connected communities.”