Laura Nuttall Became the Youngest Greens Politician in Australia

Gen Z Leader Makes History in the ACT Legislative Assembly

Laura Nuttall Became the Youngest Greens Politician

In a landmark moment for the ACT Legislative Assembly in Australia, 24-year-old Laura Nuttall has made history. She is the youngest Greens politician in the country. She is also the first Gen Z representative in the Assembly. Her election in 2023 follows the resignation of former Brindabella representative Johnathan Davis earlier this month. Ms. Nuttall’s journey into politics and her vision for Brindabella exemplify the dynamic change young leaders can bring to the table.

The ACT, or Australian Capital Territory, is a self-governing territory in Australia that includes the nation’s capital, Canberra. It has its own Legislative Assembly. This assembly functions similarly to a state parliament. It is responsible for governing the territory.

“I’m elated and honoured to represent the people of Brindabella,” Ms. Nuttall shared after her election. “I’m very excited as the first Gen Z representative here in this Parliament. I don’t think we should stop there for young people. We’re going to be the ones living with the policies of this government for the longest time to come, so I think we need a voice as soon as possible, and as early as possible.”

Ms. Nuttall’s passion for making a difference stems from her deep care for people and the environment. “I joined the Greens and started getting active because I really fundamentally care about people and about the environment,” she explained. With plans to focus on the needs of her electorate, she emphasized her commitment to being an active listener. “As a representative, it’s my job to get as much love as possible down south, a little bit of TLC (tender loving care), so that’s what I’ll be working towards.”

Her goals include tackling inequality. She advocates for youth-focused policies like better rent controls. She also aims to protect Namadgi National Park, which comprises two-thirds of her electorate. “I plan on bringing my 110 per cent; I think the people of Brindabella are 100 per cent worth it, and I just want to be a conduit for the ideas of the really smart people around me and all the people in the community.”

Ms. Nuttall graduated from the Australian National University in July 2023. She earned a degree in Asia Pacific studies, politics, philosophy, and economics. She formerly worked with Libraries ACT. She also served as a part-time Greens policy adviser. She believes these experiences give her with insight into the workings of the Assembly. “I’m so lucky to have had experience in the Assembly, and a basic understanding of how it works,” she noted.

Reflecting on her journey, Ms. Nuttall said, “I got my passion working on sports policy, looking at things like blue-green algae, and hearing from all the constituents coming to us with issues that they needed solving. I’m hoping to continue to channel that passion and that understanding of the way the Assembly works to bring as many voices forward as possible.”

While some commentators have raised concerns about her youth, both Ms. Nuttall and ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury view it as a significant asset. “A Legislative Assembly is made up of 25 representatives,” Ms. Nuttall pointed out. “Until now, we haven’t had a single Gen Z voice in parliament. Gen Z people are voting age. We’re the ones dealing with the brunt of the housing crisis. We also face the high cost of living. I myself am a renter, and have found it really tough in the past to get by. I think that adding that voice to the table is a really important element.”

Meet Laura Nuttall, the youngest #Greens representative ever elected to any Australian parliament

Mr. Rattenbury echoed this sentiment, praising her energy and perspective. “It’s good to see such a young person coming forward who’s full of ideas and energy, who is a great listener, but also has their own views on the world. It’s very important that we hear from Laura’s generation.” He added that the Greens party would benefit from her insights into the housing crisis and climate change, issues of paramount importance to young people.

Ms. Nuttall’s election was finalized through a callback of votes supervised by ACT Electoral Commissioner Damien Cantwell AM. Alongside candidates from various parties, including ACT Labor and the Canberra Liberals, Ms. Nuttall emerged as the successful candidate, reaffirming the Greens’ hold on the Brindabella seat.

As the youngest member of the Assembly, Ms. Nuttall’s portfolios and responsibilities are yet to be determined. Mr. Rattenbury stated, “It’s important to let the democratic process run, and not be presumptuous about the outcome today. So now that the result is affirmed that makes Laura the latest member of the Assembly, we’ll start internally to think about portfolio allocations, community responsibilities, all of the sort of things that go with being an MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly).”

Ms. Nuttall’s election signals a fresh chapter for Brindabella and for young Australians seeking representation in government. Her vision and drive promise a future where diverse voices lead the way toward meaningful change.

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