What the Greens' Election Loss Means for Prospectors

The results of the 2025 federal election have reshaped Australia’s political landscape — and the changes could have a direct impact on the future of gold prospecting, fossicking, and recreational land access.

The Australian Greens suffered a major blow, losing three of their four lower house seats, including the high-profile seat of Melbourne held by party leader Adam Bandt. This leaves the party with just one seat in the House of Representatives. While they’ve retained a strong presence in the Senate with 11 seats, their reduced influence in the lower house could shift the balance on certain policies — especially those affecting access to public land.

A Win for Common-Sense Land Use?

For years, prospectors, campers, and bush explorers have voiced concerns about proposals to convert more state forests into national parks. While protecting the environment is important, many of these plans have come with increased restrictions — including bans on prospecting, camping, vehicle access, and even dog walking in some cases.

The Greens have been one of the strongest advocates for these tighter regulations. Their platform consistently promotes expanding national parks, limiting fossil fuel exploration, and enforcing stricter environmental protections — even if it means locking up areas that have been used by locals and hobbyists for generations.

With their loss of influence in the lower house, many in the prospecting community are hopeful that we’ll see a more balanced approach to land management, one that protects the environment and allows for responsible public use.

The Fight Over Victoria’s Forests

Take Victoria, for example. In recent years, several regions have been targeted for conversion to national park status — including parts of the Central West forests, areas historically known for prospecting. These proposals sparked major backlash, with tens of thousands of Victorians signing petitions to protect access to public land.

The concern wasn’t just about prospecting — it was about a broader “right to roam”: the ability to enjoy Australia’s bush heritage without excessive red tape. The Greens were often seen as opposing this, favouring top-down restrictions in the name of conservation.

What’s Next?

While the Greens still have a say in the Senate, their reduced presence in the lower house means fewer opportunities to push aggressive land lockup policies. That could result in a more measured, consultative approach — one that listens to regional communities, land users, and small businesses that depend on outdoor tourism and hobbies like gold detecting.

Of course, we still encourage respectful, responsible prospecting — following local rules, caring for the land, and leaving no trace. But we also believe that access matters, and everyday Aussies should be able to enjoy the bush just as much as anyone else.

What do you think?
Have you felt the pressure of tighter land restrictions in recent years? Do you think the Greens’ election loss will make a difference? Let us know your thoughts — we love hearing from the prospecting community.