Full Story Why the Australian Greens expelled their cofounder
Jul 29, 2025
Joe Hinchliffe, Queensland state reporter for Guardian Australia, delves into the expulsion of Drew Hutton, a co-founder of the Australian Greens. The discussion highlights the clash over trans rights and free speech, with Hutton criticizing the party for being 'authoritarian.' Hinchliffe explores the internal divisions and generational conflicts that have emerged, examining how the party balances activism with member dissent. The conversation reveals the complex dynamics at play as the Greens navigate their identity and values in a changing political landscape.
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Drew Hutton's Founding Role
- Drew Hutton co-founded the Greens Party in Queensland and was central to its national formation. - He actively ran for office during Queensland's early environmental political void, nurturing the party's growth.
Root of Hutton's Expulsion
- The Greens faced deep internal conflict over trans rights starting in 2022. - Hutton's Facebook posts defending free speech triggered accusations of transphobia linked to comments by others.
Greens' Internal Disciplinary Process
- The Greens' Constitution and Arbitration Committee suspended Hutton for refusing to remove comments deemed transphobic on his posts. - The decision was upheld by a council of state delegates in July 2023.