Cassy O’Connor, Tasmanian Greens Leader, resigns from politics – ABC News
- In short: Cassy O’Connor has given an emotional press conference to say she is resigning as Tasmanian Greens leader
- What’s next?: Ms O’Connor plans to run for a seat in the state’s Legislative Council, with Rosalie Woodruff to step in as acting leader until a recount in her seat of Clark
Cassy O’Connor has announced she is retiring as Leader of the Tasmanian Greens, saying she “needs a break”.
Ms O’Connor was first elected in 2008, and in 2015 became leader of the party.
A recount will be held to confirm a replacement for Ms O’Connor’s seat.
Former Wilderness Society campaign manager Vica Bayley was the party’s second highest polling candidate. Rosalie Woodruff will be acting leader in the interim.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision,” she said at a press conference in Hobart on Thursday.
“I love my job, I love working in parliament and especially in an exciting, dynamic, balance-of-power parliament. But it is time to go.
Despite resigning from the House of Assembly, Ms O’Connor said she would put her hand up for a role in the Upper House.
“I’m not done yet. I will be seeking pre-selection for the Legislative Council seat of Hobart.”
“The major parties now have a majority in the Legislative Council. We need a Green upstairs, someone trustworthy and true, and I hope to be that person.
“It’s the right time for the Greens. We need renewal in the leadership, and in the House of Assembly.”
She said it was also the right time for herself.
“I need a break. I need to clear some space in my hard drive and to regenerate.”
Ms O’Connor said “decent leaders” know when it is the right time to go.
“I’ve weighed it up and it feels right,” she said, adding that the opportunity of shifting to the Upper House was worth the risk.
Asked if she would consider becoming leader again if she succeeds in her bid, Ms O’Connor replied “no way”.
“Are you serious? No. Every leader has their time.”
Ms O’Connor entered parliament 15 years ago following a recount in the division of Denison when former Greens leader Peg Putt resigned.
When she was re-elected two years later, she was appointed as the Cabinet secretary as part of a power-sharing arrangement in the Labor-Greens government.
She later became the Minister for Human Services, Community Development, Aboriginal Affairs and Climate Change.
Today, Ms O’Connor described her vote for the Tasmanian Forest Agreement as her proudest moment.
“That vote in 2013 protected more than half a million hectares of some of our most beautiful forests.”
Brown praise for ‘wise defender’
In a statement, former state and federal Greens leader Bob Brown praised Ms O’Connor as “a strong and wise defender of Tasmania’s future, in particular its wild and scenic beauty, wildlife, Aboriginal heritage and visitor hospitality”.
“Cassy was the real opposition leader in Tasmania, on a whole range of social justice and environmental issues in which Labor lines up with the Liberals,” Mr Brown said.
“She has been a champion for social justice and was the most innovative Minister for Housing Tasmania has seen.”
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