Statement on Tasmanian Greens Leadership
Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne today congratulated Kim Booth on becoming Leader of the Tasmanian Greens and paid tribute to outgoing leader Nick McKim who has announced that he will step down today.
“I wish Kim every success as he takes it up to the harsh and anti-environment agenda of Will Hodgman,” Senator Milne said.
“I look forward to working with him as Tony Abbott tries to slash millions from renewable energy in Tasmania. Kim Booth is a strong advocate for Tasmanian jobs and communities as well as the environment.
“I pay tribute to Nick McKim, who led the Tasmanian Greens through the very successful 2010 election and productive minority government, delivering solar rooftops, better support for people living with disability and a positive vision for Tasmania’s future clean, green and clever economy.
“The Greens voice in parliament will be needed more than ever to oppose the extreme Liberal agenda that we will see from Will Hodgman and Tony Abbott.”
ABC’s Emily Bryan pic today of Cassy, Kim and Nick
• ABC: New Tasmanian Greens leader: Kim Booth replaces Nick McKim
Tasmanian Greens MP Kim Booth has been appointed the party’s new leader.
The former leader, Nick McKim, did not contest the position, saying it was in the best interests of the party for Mr Booth to take over.
Mr McKim has taken personal responsibility for the 8 per cent swing away from the Greens at the March state election.
The party lost two of their five seats and parliamentary party status.
The outgoing leader says he was not in favour of a ballot.
“I formed a view last week that having a contest for the leadership ballot simply wouldn’t be in the best interest of the Greens at this time,” he said.
“I’m proud of my records and achievements as leader of the Greens, but it is time for someone else to have a go now.”
• Kim Booth: Greens elect new State Party Leader
• Nick McKim: Focus now on holding anti-environment Liberals to account
EARLIER ON TASMANIAN TIMES: • Voters punish major parties in WA … Meanwhile, in Tasmania …
• Peter Fagan, in Comments: The parliamentary Greens have handled the leadership transfer to Kim Booth with maturity. At the end of the day, if the Greens grow and prosper, they will have to participate in governments. The transition from party of protest to party of responsible government is very difficult. Nick McKim and Cassy O’Connor were pioneers of this transition. Their successes were limited, but they did their best. That needs to be recognised. A way to acknowledge Nick and Cassy’s contribution would be to give them ample opportunity to share what they have learnt since 2010 with fellow Greens, particularly younger members who may consider standing for parliament.
