Peg: I’ve seen ’em off!

Peg Putt Greens MR

“I have had an exciting, challenging and rewarding Parliamentary career and feel that I have accomplished the job that was there for me to do,” Ms Putt said. “I have seen off the political leaders who attempted to see off the Greens.”
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Peg Putt Announces Resignation from Tasmanian Parliament
Peg Putt MP
Greens Opposition Leader
Monday, 7 July 2008

www.tas.greens.org.au

The Tasmanian Greens Leader and Member for Denison Peg Putt MP today announced her resignation from the Tasmanian Parliament after 15 years service, six as Parliamentary Leader of the Greens.

Ms Putt believes that she has fulfilled her goals and aspirations, including seeing off those politicians who attempted to rid the Parliament of Greens, and that Nick McKim is best suited to lead the next phase of Greens’ endeavour – taking the party to the 2010 election.

The Greens Party Room decided unanimously, after being informed by Ms Putt on Sunday of her intentions, that when her resignation takes effect Nick McKim MP will become the new Leader of the Tasmanian Parliamentary Greens.

Inheriting Bob Brown’s seat in Denison in 1993, Peg Putt experienced the Liberal minority government period of 1996-98, was the sole surviving Greens MP after the cut to Parliamentary numbers in 1998, built the profile and relevance of the Greens to lead a comeback in 22002 with the election of 4 Greens and achievement of party status in 2002, re-election of all four in 2006, and most recently played a role in the end to the Lennon era.

“I have had an exciting, challenging and rewarding Parliamentary career and feel that I have accomplished the job that was there for me to do,” Ms Putt said.

“I have seen off the political leaders who attempted to see off the Greens.”

“I have always done what I believe is the best thing for the Greens and this is why I have chosen to pull up stumps, although I also feel it is time personally for me to make a change.”

“Nick McKim is the person to lead the Tasmanian Parliamentary Greens to the 2010 election, as I put to the party room on Sunday.”

“I have a few other missions in life to achieve yet, and will always remain a campaigner for a better world and for Tasmania’s unprotected natural heritage.”

“I have had the privilege to stand up for the voiceless, be it our wild places or those marginalised in our society, and I’ve had the honour to work with many wonderful people in my career with the Greens.”

“I want to thank from the bottom of my heart all those people who have supported and trusted me to speak for them in Parliament, and all the marvellous folk it has been my pleasure to work with over the years.”

“A particular thanks to my staff and family who have stood by me over the past fifteen years.”

“My hopes lie with an invigorated Green team with Nick McKim at the helm, and most likely with Cassy O’Connor in Denison,” Ms Putt concluded.

Highlights of Peg Putt’s Time in the Tasmanian Parliament

· Introduced Nature Guarantee Bill – predecessor of the Threatened Species Protection Act

· Agitated for and supported the return of lands to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community

· Gun Law Reform – wrote the proposal to the 3 party committee comprising the changes adopted in Tasmania (and then nationally), subsequent to the Port Arthur massacre

· Gay Law Reform – Supported Christine Milne’s successful private members Bill

· Apology to the stolen generation – initiated by the Greens through discussion with the other 2 parties – led the nation

· GE Free Tasmania – a personal campaign initiated in the Tasmanian Parliament by Peg Putt, eventually secured support of all parties and the Legislative Council

· Introduced Significant Personal Relationships Bill – the antecedent of the Significant Relationships Act

· Ended corporal punishment in Tasmanian schools – 2 private members Bills

· Closed loophole creating FoI exemption for numerous documents under Cabinet in Confidence

· Agitated for and supported compensation to the stolen generation