Australian Greens leader Bob Brown has confirmed his deputy Christine Milne was challenged by Sarah Hanson-Young during a spill of leadership positions following the August 21 election.
Senator Brown would not reveal by how many votes Christine Milne won the ballot, instead saying it was by a "clear majority".
He denied the challenge was an indication of any tension or divisions within the party, describing the suggestion as "nonsensical".
"I encourage everybody to challenge for every party position," Senator Brown told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.
Senator Milne has been in parliament since 2004, three years longer than Senator Hanson-Young.
Senator Brown said he saw all his senators, including those who will take their places in parliament in July 2011, as having the potential for leadership.
The challenge was revealed only on Tuesday, weeks after the partyroom ballot.
