Former Greens leader Adam Bandt lands post-politics job as Conservation Foundation CEO
Months after he lost his own seat in a disastrous election, former federal Greens leader Adam Bandt has been announced as the Australian Conservation Foundation's (ACF) next chief executive.
The long-running climate and environment organisation announced the move this afternoon, with Bandt to officially begin in his first post-politics role at the start of next year.
"It is a true privilege to help lead Australia's most respected voice for nature and climate at such a critical time," he said.
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Former Greens leader Adam Bandt has been announced as the Australian Conservation Foundation's next chief executive. Getty
"Climate collapse is beginning, nature is in crisis and this is the parliament that can avoid extinction.
"This could be the best parliament ever for nature and climate. We're setting politicians a test we hope they meet."
Bandt became the first-ever Greens candidate to win a federal lower-house seat when he claimed Melbourne in 2010, and became the minor party's leader in 2020, following predecessor Richard di Natale's resignation.
He then led the Greens to their best-ever federal election result in 2022, with three MPs from inner Brisbane joining him in the House of Representatives, and the party also added three extra representatives in the Senate.
But while its primary vote nationally remained steady at this year's election, the Greens lost three lower-house seats, including Bandt getting voted out of his own seat.
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Bandt led the Greens to its best-ever election in 2022, but the 2025 vote was a disaster for the party. Alex Ellinghausen/SMH
ACF chair Ros Harvey said the former politician was a unanimous choice for the role.
"We undertook a rigorous search for ACF's next CEO, spanning many countries and including screening more than 300 candidates," he said.
"Adam was unanimously supported by our board as the right person to lead ACF into its next chapter.
"Mr Bandt has the vision, the bravery and the experience required to meet the challenging years ahead as Australia grapples with devastating climate change and accelerating nature destruction.
"Hard times require bold leadership.
"ACF has a proud 60-year history of delivering as a voice for nature and an organisation that makes real change to address the biggest issues of our time."
Current chief executive Kelly O'Shanassy will continue in her role until the end of the year.
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