Samantha Ratnam

Samantha Ratnam
Samantha Ratnam
Leader of the Victorian Greens
In office
12 October 2017 – 23 April 2024
DeputyNina Springle (2017–2018)
Ellen Sandell (2018–2024)
Preceded byGreg Barber
Succeeded byEllen Sandell
Member of the Victorian Legislative Council for Northern Metropolitan Region
Assumed office
19 October 2017
Preceded byGreg Barber
Succeeded byAnasina Gray-Barberio
15th Mayor of Moreland
In office
November 2015 – November 2016
Preceded byMeghan Hopper
Succeeded byHelen Davidson
Councillor of the City of Moreland
for South Ward
In office
1 October 2012 – 11 October 2017
Preceded byJosephine Connellan
Succeeded byJess Dorney
Personal details
Born1977 (age 46–47)[1]
England, United Kingdom[1]
NationalityAustralian
Political partyGreens
SpouseColin Jacobs[2]
Children1[2]
Residence(s)Brunswick East, Melbourne, Victoria[2]
EducationMullauna College[3]
Alma materUniversity of Melbourne
Occupation
  • Social worker
  • Politician
Signature
WebsiteSamantha Ratnam website

Samantha Shantini Ratnam (Tamil: சமந்தா இரத்தினம்; born 1977) is a British-Australian social worker and politician. She was the leader of the Victorian Greens between 2017 and 2024, serving as a member of the Victorian Legislative Council in the Northern Metropolitan Region. Prior to this she was a councillor and mayor for the City of Moreland.

  1. ^ a b Kolovos, Benita (13 November 2022). "Samantha Ratnam, the march of the Greens and the unfulfilled promise of the 'most progressive government' ever". Guardian Australia.
  2. ^ a b c Fyfe, Melissa (16 November 2022). "She's a safe pair of hands, but Greens leader needs her 'Google it, mate' moment". The Age.
  3. ^ "Samantha Ratnam – Inaugural Speech". hansard.parliament.vic.gov.au. Parliament of Victoria. 1 November 2017.