‘They want change, they want it now’: Greens claim seat of Brisbane after Labor concedes

A week after Australia went to the polls, the Greens’ Stephen Bates has finally claimed the seat of Brisbane after Labor’s Madonna Jarrett conceded on Saturday afternoon.

The Greens have claimed the seat of Brisbane after Labor candidate Madonna Jarrett conceded to Stephen Bates on Saturday afternoon.

Madonna Jarrett, the Labor candidate for the seat of Brisbane, has conceded the seat and congratulated Greens candidate Stephen Bates on a successful campaign.

Ms Jarrett posted to social media shortly before 3pm and said that while counting was ongoing, “it is clear that we won’t get across the line in Brisbane.”

“Earlier this afternoon, I called Stephen Bates to congratulate him on his successful campaign. I wish him all the best for the term ahead.”

Greens leader Adam Bandt (far left) with new Member for Brisbane Stephen Bates and other Greens politicians in Brisbane. Picture: Adam Head

It is the third seat claimed by the Greens in the Brisbane region, after taking Ryan in Brisbane’s west and Griffith in the inner south.

“We knew that people were liking what we were saying, and it has turned into a victory for us,” Mr Bates said.

“I think it’s a reflection of what the community is feeling.

“They told us they wanted to get 100 per cent publicly owned renewable energy, they wanted dental and mental health into Medicare, they wanted action on the housing crisis.

“People are fed up with the status quo, they want change and they want it now.”

There are still three seats yet to be called - Macnamara, Gilmore and Deakin.