Ecology-conscious backers wake up to Greens’ identity politics

How Drew Hutton tolerated the current Greens for as long as he did is unfathomable (“Greens now an authoritarian cult: expelled elder”, 21/7).

The deep ecology approach that Hutton was a part of from the 1970s has nothing in common with the current Greens, who seem to have alienated themselves from a traditional ecology movement that has evolved over many decades. Hutton has a lifelong commitment to ecology, respected by other like-minded ecologists, and he deserves better treatment. Shame on the Greens for their bigotry and narrow-mindedness; they have degenerated into a dogmatic cult.

Stehanie Ingerson, Middleton, SA

One can only imagine the deep disappointment of Greens elder and co-founder Drew Hutton at what his party has become.

His expulsion speaks volumes about the ugly authoritarianism and intolerance that now pervades a once-principled party. The days when even political conservatives could respect the Greens’ concern for the environment are long gone, for the environment now takes a back seat to a grab-bag of radical left positions and voodoo economic nostrums.

Terry Birchley, Bundaberg, Qld

I must agree with expelled Greens elder Drew Hutton.

The Greens’ current Marxist policies and behaviour mirror the menace of all totalitarian regimes. They seek to take over by stealth, or fear, or even violence; once in power they control everything, hiding behind (apparently democratic) elections.

Everyone is reduced to the misery of being a conformist or else. The only time a citizen can celebrate is when the Marxists win the next election, and celebration is then compulsory.

Perhaps our free Western society can do without the Greens?

Ian Morison, Forrest, ACT

By 2025, most Australians recognised the Greens’ extremist neo-Marxist ideology for what it was: revolting. Only some naive young voters and a few left-wing social media vortex types clung to the illusion of warm, fuzzy environmentalism. The rest of Australia woke up.

At the 2025 election, the Greens’ national vote plummeted. Many MPs, including their leader Adam Bandt, were thrown out. Now comes the Greens’ internal revolution. They should reflect.

Lee Smith, Kenmore, Qld

I sympathise with Drew Hutton, but I also wonder why it took him so long to wake up to the dangerous dictatorial nature of his former party.

It is all too common that the original legitimate aims and policies of minority groups get infiltrated and hijacked by a hardline intolerant segment that eventually ruins the legitimacy of their original cause. Truly, the antidote to such toxic white-anting is eternal vigilance against such illiberal forces.

Giles Edwards, Dee Why, NSW

Two separate stories show the Greens putting even climate-conscious people off.

The first mentions expelling founder Drew Hutton for expressing concerns over identity politics. The second notes the success of greenish independents in last weekend’s Tasmanian state election (“Rockiest of roads ahead for the Premier”, 21/7).

But the rot has long been setting in. Over time, the teals and other climate-conscious independents have succeeded where the Greens have failed in winning seats off the major parties.

People increasingly see the Greens as more about identity politics and less about sensible ways to reduce climate pollution. Independents with open minds about getting results can succeed where the dogmatic Greens fail.

Warren Grzic, Hornsby, NSW

The Greens were founded on a principle of protecting the environment and were a growing and popular party. However, over time the party was hijacked by far-left radicals and has now completely lost its way.

The party is threatening to implode because of its addiction to extreme policies, all of which are a distant call from the ideals of the party’s founding fathers and mainstream Australia.

Now the party has begun a predictable self-inflicted political death spiral that is both unfortunate yet comical to watch. This demise has created a vacuum that hopefully will be filled by a better alternative.

Tom Moylan, Dudley Park, WA