Defeated Brisbane MP Stephen Bates says he’s “not going anywhere” in a thank-you message to supporters.

In a heartfelt address following his loss in the recent electoral battle to Labor, Stephen Bates, the former Greens representative for Brisbane, expressed profound gratitude towards his constituency and the team he worked with during his tenure. Bates stated, "Being your MP is a huge privilege and I couldn’t have wished for a better team, a better community and a better time to have done that." This sentiment reflects his dedication to public service, even as he faced the reality of his political defeat. His loss, alongside other Greens heavyweights like Max Chandler-Mather and Adam Bandt, signals a significant shift within the political landscape of Australia, especially for the Greens party, which has experienced significant setbacks in recent elections. Commenting on the need for introspection, Michael McCormack of the Nationals called for unity within the Coalition to address the electoral wounds they suffered, echoing sentiments of recovery and strategic reevaluation from the devastating results. Additionally, the announcement of a new advisory board for the Queensland Academy of Sport following charges of governance mishaps demonstrates ongoing changes and challenges within various institutions at this time. The political discourse remains charged, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese weighing in to critique a predecessor from the Greens, indicating a sharp and potentially divisive political climate as parties recalibrate moving forward.