Christine Milne Has Resigned As The Leader Of The Greens

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Published

May 6, 2015

Senator Christine Milne has resigned as the leader of the Greens Party this morning, after deciding not to contest the next election for another six year term.

The Tasmanian senator informed the Greens party room of her decision this morning, announcing that a ballot for the party leadership will take place at 11:30am this morning, with a press conference to follow at 1:30pm this afternoon.

Senator Milne was elected to the Federal Senate in 2005, following a tenured career in the Tasmanian State Parliament. She assumed leadership of the national Greens following the retirement of fellow Tasmanian Bob Brown in 2012.

In a statement released to media, Senator Milne said:

“It is with a mix of optimism, pride, excitement and sadness that I am resigning the leadership and leaving the Senate. I have achieved what I set out to achieve when I took over the leadership. The Greens have gone from strength to strength with solid election results and a growing, engaged party membership.

I promised a more cabinet-style, collaborative approach to leadership. I am so proud of the way my colleagues have responded. We are a strong, capable, visionary Greens team.

We have stood strongly for a safe climate and an end to wealth inequality. We have stood with the community against the cruelty of the Abbott Government, with their first budget resoundingly rejected by the people, and the Senate.

My decision to resign today is one I made with my family. After 25 years in politics, I am looking forward to spending more time in my beautiful home state of Tasmania, with friends and family, and especially as I am soon to be a grandmother.

Life after Parliament is not, however, life after politics. The fight for action on global warming will continue and I will take my passion, and all that I’ve learnt, to that fight standing shoulder to shoulder with the community here, and all over the world, for climate justice.

I would like to say thank you. To my family, staff, colleagues, friends, party members, supporters and voters – thank you. I have cherished your input, your passion, and your support.”