The Greens' re-elected representative for inner-city Canberra says she wants to tap into a global push for more government services to protect working people from high living costs and climate change.
Rebecca Vassarotti unveiled three deliberative town hall meetings to shape "bold, universal solutions" after being re-elected to the Legislative Assembly on Thursday and confirmed she would seek the Greens leadership.
"And for me, what this is about, this is not a contest about two individuals. This is actually an opportunity to have really deep conversations with our membership in terms of the direction and the vision for our party," Ms Vassarotti said.
"This is an exciting new chapter for our party and I'm really excited about the ability to have those conversations for us with grassroots democracy."
Ms Vassarotti, who will fill former Greens leader Shane Rattenbury's seat, has sought to position her second Assembly stint in similar terms to the popular, left-wing campaigns epitomised by New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani.
"From New York to the United Kingdom, a global shift is under way, and I truly believe it is a movement we can replicate right here in Canberra," Ms Vassarotti said in a statement.
"Everyday working people are taking the reins to confront the structural root causes of the cost-of-living crisis, and it's exciting.
"In a time of deep economic and environmental injustice, communities are demanding change because they are exhausted by a political system designed to exclude them.
"Now more than ever, it is time to look past the status quo, focus on people and the planet, and fight unapologetically for an active government, and universal, free public services."
Ms Vassarotti promised three, deliberative town hall meetings in her Kurrajong electorate in August and September, to be led by the former federal ACT Greens candidate, environmentalist and writer Tim Hollo.
"Right now, we need representatives that understand the need for action, and who fight for the government to act as a reliable foundation for a good life for everyone. That is, representatives that ensure we can respond to the diverse, lived experiences of our city," Ms Vassarotti said.
"The crises we face, from skyrocketing costs of living to climate breakdown, require big, systemic solutions, not bureaucratic bandaids. But real ambition doesn't come from above. It comes from deep, democratic collaboration with the people who actually live these realities."
ACT Greens leader Jo Clay welcomed Ms Vassarotti back to the Assembly and said the former deputy leader and minister brought valuable experience to the party. Ms Clay also confirmed she would seek the party's leadership permanently when it is put to a member vote.
Before losing her seat at the 2024 election, Ms Vassarotti was a minister in the Labor-Greens government.
"Rebecca understands both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with representing the ACT community and will be a thoughtful and effective advocate for the people of Kurrajong," Ms Clay said.
"Rebecca's experience strengthens our team, as we continue to hold this government to account and push for policies and solutions that put people, the environment and the future of our city first."
Ms Vassarotti and Ms Clay last competed for the party's then newly established deputy leadership. Ms Vassarotti narrowly defeated Ms Clay in the 2024 vote.
Ms Vassarotti's re-election was confirmed by the ACT Electoral Commission, which ran a computerised countback to fill the seat vacated Mr Rattenbury, who resigned from the Assembly last month.
The countback process effectively means the voters who elected Mr Rattenbury determine who will replace him.
