The Tasmanian Greens Party Room has today confirmed Kim Booth as Leader.
“I did not nominate for the position because I decided that a contest for the leadership is not in the best interests of the Greens,” Greens Member for Franklin Nick McKim MP said.
“We have a big job to do to hold the government to account, defend Tasmania’s forests and wild places, and rebuild our electoral support. Our campaign for the 2018 election needs to start now.”
“For us to get on and do those jobs we cannot afford ongoing leadership speculation or a party room that is not united on the issue of leadership.”
“A contest over the leadership is not in the best interests of getting on with the important jobs of rebuilding our electoral support and holding Will Hodgman’s radically anti-environment government to account.”
“I genuinely believe my decision is in the best interests of the party I love. I will fully support Kim as leader and rule out any challenge to him because it is crucial that we work together and focus on the job ahead of us.”
“I am proud of my record and achievements as Greens Leader, but it is time for a change and for me to pass the leadership baton over to Kim.”
“Last week I notified my party room colleagues and the Executive of the Tasmanian Greens party of my decision to not contest the Leadership. At that time I did not know whether Kim was intending to challenge for the position.”
“Any contest between Kim and I for leadership would have resulted in a deadlocked party room due to the commitment that Cassy O’Connor and I have given not to vote for each other in leadership ballots. This would not have been in the best interests of our party.”
“If there had been no other nominations for the position I would have accepted the role as I strongly believe that political parties need a Leader. However, Kim informed me yesterday that he is willing to take on the role.”
“I still have a lot to offer to the Parliament and public debate in Tasmania, and I intend to serve out my term representing the people of Franklin and contest the seat at the next state election. There are some big challenges facing Tasmania and I intend to play a key role in holding the government to account, and progressing the many social, environmental and economic issues that I am passionate about.”
“I am thankful for the opportunity I had to lead the Greens during a challenging but exciting time in the party’s history,” Mr McKim said.
Nick McKim MP | Greens Member for Franklin
