Rebecca Vassarotti returns to ACT politics as Greens MLA

Rebecca Vassarotti has been re-elected as an ACT Greens MLA following the departure of Shane Rattenbury. (ABC News: Callum Flinn)

Rebecca Vassarotti has been re-elected as an MLA in the ACT Legislative Assembly following a countback by the Electoral Commission.

The countback was necessary after the resignation of ACT Greens party leader Shane Rattenbury in April, after 17 years in politics.

Rebecca Vassarotti has been re-elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly in an electoral countback after the resignation of ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury.

Ms Vassarotti served as a member of the ACT Greens for a term before losing her seat in the 2024 election.

Following Mr Rattenbury's resignation in April after 17 years in politics, a countback was today held by the ACT Electoral Commission to determine who would replace him.

The process uses ballot papers from voters who originally supported Mr Rattenbury to select the successful candidate.

Following the countback, Ms Vassarotti said in a statement it was an "incredible privilege" to be re-elected.

"What makes this really truly exciting is the opportunity to work alongside our community for real change," she said.

"I am incredibly proud to stand with my three amazing colleagues as we fight for people and the planet.

"As a grassroots party, I'll be working closely with Greens members, volunteers and the broader community to deliver on a vision that makes Canberra an even better place to live."

Greens MLA Rebecca Vassarotti has already served for a term in the ACT Legislative Assembly. (ABC News: Matt Roberts)

After being elected to the seat of Kurrajong in 2020, Ms Vassarotti served as a member of cabinet while the ACT Greens were in a coalition with Labor.

She held the portfolios of Environment, Heritage, Homelessness and Housing Services; and Sustainable Building and Construction.

She has also worked as executive director at YWCA Canberra and as deputy chief executive of the Australian Council of Social Service.

More recently, she was the executive director of future directions at The Benevolent Society.

ACT Greens Leader Shane Rattenbury announced his retirement from politics after 17 years in the ACT Legislative Assembly. (ABC News: Adam Shirley)

Mr Rattenbury also left the role of party leader when he announced his departure from ACT politics in April.

In announcing his retirement from ACT politics, Greens leader Shane Rattenbury says he is looking forward to finding out what his next career move could be.

During his years in office, Mr Rattenbury served in cabinet, including as attorney-g