Economy
Nick McKim announced as the new Greens Senator for Tasmania
The Australian Greens are pleased to announce that former Tasmanian Greens Leader Nick McKim has been elected by a ballot of members to become the next Greens Senator for Tasmania. Mr McKim will fill a casual vacancy in the Senate, created by the resignation of Christine Milne.
“I want to thank the Tasmanian Greens members for giving me this honour and I will do everything I can to repay the faith they have put in me,” McKim said.
“Replacing someone of Christine’s calibre will be a huge challenge, but one that I’m really looking forward to.”
“Australia has rarely seen such a reckless and self-serving government. The Greens mission is more urgent now than ever and I can’t wait to join my new colleagues in standing up for a cleaner, healthier and smarter Australia.
“It has been a privilege to represent the people of Franklin for the past 13 years and I look forward to representing all Tasmanians and my beloved state of Tasmania in my new role.
Outgoing Senator for Tasmania and Australian Greens Leader, Christine Milne, congratulated Mr McKim his election.
“I couldn’t wish for a better person to pass the baton on to than Nick McKim,” Milne said.
“As my time in the Senate draws to a close I am excited by the strong, capable team I leave behind in Canberra, and Nick is a wonderful addition to that team.
“Nick has already spent more than a decade fighting for Greens ideals in the Tasmanian Parliament so I know he will be an exceptional voice in Canberra for our party and our state.
Australian Greens Leader, Dr Richard Di Natale welcomed Mr McKim to the federal party room.
“I congratulate Nick on his election and am thrilled to have him join our team in Canberra,” said Senator Di Natale.
“He and I are united in the same unenviable task of trying to fill the enormous shoes left behind by Christine Milne, a giant of the Greens movement.
“Nick brings a wealth of experience with him and I look forward to working with him to deliver outcomes for the community.”
• Peter Whish-Wilson: Statement on pre-selection of Nick McKim for impending Senate vacancy
• Paul Harriss: Time for McKim to tell the truth
• Chris Harries in Comments: The Greens are an essential part of modern politics at this juncture in history when civilisation is so threatened by its non sustainability. Many are cynical about politics for good reason, and Greens have to cop more than most cynicism, but they are part of the furniture. Interesting sequence of re-elections now happening. Kim Booth replaced by Launceston Council Green, who is then replaced by another green on countback. Christine Milne, replaced by Rosalie Woodruff who then vacates Huon Council and will then be replaced by another colleague on countback. Three state Green MPs now all female.