National

Greens hints state at 'crossroads' at party launch

By Allanah Sciberras

Oct 9, 2026

Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell says many in the state are fed up with the major parties. -AAP Image

The tide is changing for the Victorian Greens, who are rapidly gaining momentum, thanks to a handful of new health-led crime policies to boost its upcoming state election campaign.

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Victorian Greens leader Ellen Sandell told AAP on Thursday the state was at a "crossroads," with many people fed up with the major parties.

She says people want change, and the party is ready to deliver.

"The major parties (are) just not delivering the change they want... they're looking for a bold vision and a positive alternative and they're turning to the Greens," Ms Sandell said.

The minor party on Thursday launched their 2026 Victorian election platform, promising to address the price of groceries, crime and community safety if elected.

They pledged $350 million to trial 10 state-owned supermarkets for four years.

The move is inspired by popular New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan to establish a public grocer in each of the city's five boroughs.

"We're taking a leaf out of Zohran Mamdani's book and know so many of his bold ideas can translate here in Victoria," she said.

The plan is designed to deliver essentials at a 30 per cent discount compared to major chains including Woolworths and Coles, saving the average Victorian household an estimated $4274 annually.

Three quarters of voters now feel Victoria has lost its direction and is on the wrong track, according to the latest Mood of the Nation report released by public affairs and strategic communications consultancy SEC Newgate.

But the latest Resolve Political Monitor, conducted in September published by Nine Newspapers, suggests the election outlook has barely changed in the past two months.

Primary support for the Greens was 12 per cent, while independents scooped up eight per cent.

Labor's primary vote was steady at 25 per cent, the coalition's pushed up one point to 27 per cent and One Nation still at 23 per cent.

"In November, we are going to double our numbers or better," Ms Sandell said.

Federal Greens leader David Shoebridge, who took the charge of the leadership last week, said change is coming.

He said the party had helped rekindle Australian politics.

"The whole country will be watching what you're doing to set the momentum," he told the party faithful in the state.

"It starts right here in Victoria with this amazing campaign."

NSW Grayndler candidate Hannah Thomas, who was seriously injured at a pro-Palestinian protest in Sydney's southwest last year, also spoke at the sold-out event.

The event also paid tribute to popular Greens MP Tim Read, who died aged 64 in September after a battle with metastatic cancer.

More than 200 supporters were in attendance on Thursday, which also included a raffle offering prizes such as a fruit and vegetable box, a Greens jersey, a dental check-up, and a $100 Myki voucher.