The Australian Greens: From Activism to Australia's Third Party

Description

The Australian Greens played a pivotal role after the 2010 federal election. It ensured the Gillard minority government went full term and won its first House of Representatives seat. But what do we really know about the Greens in Australia? Is the party really just an extension of the environment movement or a professional party, capable of influencing the major parties? This book examines the people who make the party tick. Uncovers the members and activists of the party. The Australian Greens: From Activism to Australia's Third Party asks whether the Greens has made the transition from a home for tree-huggers and alternative lifestylers to a party ready to work in Government.

Dr Stewart Jackson is a former youth worker, public servant, political operative, and now lecturer in politics at the University of Sydney. Prior to becoming an academic, Jackson was involved in Green politics for 20 years. During that period he worked for the Australian Greens and its MPs as a campaigner, organiser and researcher, and was National Convenor of the party for two years. He is currently researching the development of Green parties in south east and north Asia, and overseeing an ongoing project examining protesters and protest activity in Australia.