THREAD
I have never desired a change to the system for choosing the Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Greens.
I use these words carefully, as the Parliamentary Leader is not the leader of the #Greens, although they have inspired many Australians to join our Party.
1/

I have cast a vote in party preselections since 2004 at a local, state and federal level. Ahead of every election in this country we select people from within our number to represent us and work with their colleagues - Green and otherwise - to implement our policy platform. 2/

Our candidates, Councillors and MPs remain members of our State and Territory Parties, bound by the rules which we cooperatively design and support.

The Australian Greens are not our Federal Parliamentary team. 3/

The Parliamentary Leader becomes a public figurehead for Green politics, arguing the case for, but not defining, our policy platform, but has no say over the running of the Queensland Greens, the Tasmanian Greens, nor any other State or Territory Party. 4/

They have soft power generated in part by an increased media profile, & a larger team of staff who also contribute to the work of each of our Federal Parliamentarians. There are a range of arguments which I've seen in favour of Party members electing the Parliamentary Leader. 5/

"One member, one vote. Members of a group should get a say in the leadership of that group."
I agree. However, the group in question are Australian Greens Federal MPs, not members of the Australian Greens. The latter already elects their leadership/coordinating group 6/

...as does the former. Any change to remove the MPs from deciding on their own Leader would actually represent a move away from this principle. 7/

"The Parliamentary Leader represents all of us so we should get a say." I agree. We do get a say. As a member of the VIC Greens I get a say through voting in preselection contests. I entrust these people to make a phenomenal range of decisions on my behalf. 8/

The leadership question is no different. Incidentally, I don't get a say over who the NSW Greens or the WA Greens preselects to represent them, and nor should I. Why should I get a say over who the Parliamentary Party selects? 9/

"Look at what happened to the Democrats. Leaders can be disastrous."
That is true. However this is a completely false equivalency. The Greens are only comparable to the Democrats as a third force in Australian politics. 10/

There are very few other legitimate comparisons. Our party structure, strong roots in local and State politics, global links, and formation independent of the other dominant political parties all define us as a radically different proposition. 11/

"I like X or Y and I think they would be the best Parliamentary Leader."
Being a leader is difficult. It is tiring, isolating, and bloody hard work. Just because you like a politician as an MP or as a campaigner does not mean you will like them as a leader. 12/

The requirements of leadership are many and varied. Unless you are close personal friends with someone or have worked directly under them (and I mean directly, not just on their campaign) you are unlikely to have any real grasp of their leadership potential. 13/

This does not apply as strongly to former leaders (Federal or State), as their capacity will have been somewhat observable, although this can be heavily influenced by the media and various biased framing. 14/

"X or Y is much more vocal on policy Z. That's why they should be Parliamentary Leader."
If you are not an elected representative it is very hard to grasp just how important timing, tone and precision are in achieving policy or electoral outcomes. 15/

It may be beneficial or appropriate for X or Y to be vocal on policy Z than the Parliamentary Leader. They almost certainly have information that you do not. This is their job, which we have selected them to do. 16/

If they are pushing for policy wins where they can achieve them then great. By all means ask them questions, listen to their reports, contact their office, but don't be a backseat driver. 17/

The risks - including the obvious risks of further factionalism and navel-gazing - are huge, and have not been addressed to my satisfaction by any advocate in favour of change. The years of internal debate on this matter have, in my view, been a colossal waste of time. 18/

I support us having this vote in the hope that we can achieve some resolution, but there are so many more important things we could be focusing on.
I am not saying - at any stretch - that I've always been completely happy with the Parliamentary Leadership of the Greens. 19/

I haven't, and I'm sure I will continue to be disappointed from time to time. Whichever way you vote, please be kind, respectful and try and remember that we are all working towards positive change and shared ideas. The tone so far has been disappointing to say the least. 20/

I have enormous respect for so many of my fellow members, including many of those I know who have strongly supported a change in this process for years. I am pleased to see many people engaging with this process and I'm proud we are conducting it. 21/21