It is not yet known how much power the Greens will wield in the new federal parliament, but a political analyst says the Labor government would be foolish not to listen after the "Greenslide" in Brisbane.
The Greens will have an unprecedented four MPs in Canberra after claiming Brisbane at the weekend.
Labor has secured 75 seats but needs one more to form government in its own right.
Counting is continuing in three seats that are still too close to call.
Paul Williams, a political analyst at Griffith University, said the extent to which the Greens could deliver on their election promises would depend on whether they hold the balance of power in the lower house.
"It really does change the form, it really does change the rules of the game."
If, however, Labor secures a majority, Dr Williams said the Greens will have less leverage.
"The Greens will become a crossbench, rather than a pressure group, but that doesn't mean [they] are going to be totally irrelevant," he said.
"It would be very foolish of the government to totally ignore a huge crossbench and the mood of the Australian electorate."
After claiming victory in Brisbane, the Greens' Stephen Bates said he would work with the Labor government to deliver stronger action on climate change and rental affordability.
"We have this mood in Brisbane where people are fed up with the status quo. They're sick of politicians in Canberra who say one thing and do another," he said.
"And they want politicians and representatives that actually will fight for them and work with them to make their lives better."
Incoming Greens MP for Griffith Max Chandler-Mather said the major parties did not have a vision for the next three years, let alone the next 10-15 around housing, health, education and climate change.
Labor does not intend to negotiate
But, despite a significant swing towards the Greens, Queensland Labor senator Murray Watt said his party does not intend to negotiate with them.
"Labor is on track to form majority government and we will use our election-winning mandate to honour our commitments," he said.
"We will treat all minor parties and independents with respect, and we trust they will do the same."
Labor MP Graham Perrett, who holds the Brisbane-based seat of Moreton, said the success of the Greens and independents shows voters want action on climate change.
"Australians wanted a government that would act on this," he said.
"Luckily, we've got a government that's heading in with that commitment to respond to dangerous climate change," he said.
As the counting for the lower house continues, the Greens are expected to hold a record 12 seats in the Senate.
Mr Bates said, even if Labor secures a majority government, the Greens will still have some leverage.
"If [Prime Minister Anthony Albanese] wants to pass any legislation, it's going to have to go through the checks and balances of the Senate, and we will be in the balance of power in the Senate to make those policies the best they can be," Mr Bates said.
Labor could find common ground: analyst
Dr Williams said the Greens have broadened their appeal over the years, by focusing on policies tackling issues like cost of living and medical care.
"People are looking for solution-based policies and solution-focused politicians, and that's where the Greens and the [teal independents] have some appeal because … so many voters are looking at alternatives outside the duopoly of the two-party system."
Dr Williams said it is likely Labor would find some common ground with the Greens.
"It would be a foolish, arrogant government that would not entertain a crossbench, or at least make friends across the aisle," he said.
"It's just a sensible, pragmatic thing to do when numbers are tight in the lower house."
