Greens leader and Member for Clark Cassy O’Connor resigns
Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O’Connor has announced her immediate resignation from the House of Assembly – and plans to run for a seat in the Legislative Council. DEEP DIVE >
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Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O’Connor has announced her immediate resignation from the House of Assembly – and plans to run for a seat in the Legislative Council
In an emotional press conference on Parliament Lawns on Thursday, Ms O’Connor, 56, said that after 15 years in parliament and eight as leader, it was the right time to go.
She said she informed Governor Barbara Baker of her resignation as the member for Clark on Thursday morning, effective from 5pm.
Ms O’Connor will be replaced as acting leader by the Green’s remaining state MP Rosalie Woodruff.
Longtime environmental activist Vica Bayley is Ms O’Connor’s most likely replacement in a recount in Clark.
Ms O’Connor walked hand-in-hand with Franklin MP Rosalie Woodruff across Parliament Lawns at Salamanca at noon on Thursday, telling journalists: “every leader has their day”.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision. I love my job, I love working in a parliament, especially in an exciting dynamic balance that is our parliament ... but it is time to go.”
She said it was “the right time for the Greens” and that renewal was needed in the leadership and in the House of Assembly.
Ms O'Connor says MP Rosalie Woodruff will act as leader until the recount. Ms O'Connor says she will stand for the Legislative Council seat of Hobart. pic.twitter.com/qBkbvS6dC2
— David Killick (@DavidJKillick) July 13, 2023
“After 15 years as an MP and eight as leader it is also the right time for me,” she said.
“I need a break. I need to clear some space in my hard drive. I need to regenerate.”
Dr Woodruff paid tribute to her departing leader, colleague and friend.
“I count myself among the lucky ones to have spent time in the company of such a gifted leader, a formidable parliamentary colleague and a passionate advocate for lutruwita/Tasmania and its people,” she said.
“The Greens are enormously proud to have had Cassy at the helm for the last eight years. She has been a strong, whip-smart and deeply empathetic leader.
Ms O’Connor said she was leaving “knowing the Greens are in good shape and are getting stronger by the day … and in the best of hands with Rose.”
As Greens leader, Ms O’Connor was a strong voice in the House of Assembly, campaigning for the environment, animal welfare, child safety and integrity in government.
The former journalist and mother of four rose to prominence as an activist against a proposed canal development at Ralphs Bay and became the member for Denison, now Clark, in 2008 on a countback following the departure of Peg Putt.
She was a masterful interjector, a talent which saw her frequently ejected from the chamber during heated debates.
Ms O’Connor was also the first female Greens MP in Australia to hold ministerial positions.
She was a cabinet secretary during the Labor-Green power-sharing government that ran from 2010 to 2014 and was elevated to the roles of Minister for Human Services, Community Development, Climate Change and Aboriginal Affairs.
Ms O’Connor said she would nominate for preselection to stand in the seat of Hobart at next May’s election to replace retiring member Rob Valentine.
“We need more Greens elected in this era of unprecedented challenges on climate, nature, raging inequality and the corporate capture of the Liberal and Labor parties.
“So I’m not done yet. I will be seeking preselection for the Legislative Council seat of Hobart.
“The major parties now have the majority in the Legislative Council. We need a Green upstairs, someone trustworthy and true – and I hope to be that person.”
Ms O’Connor said her proudest moment during her tenure was her vote for the Tasmanian Forest Agreement.
“That vote, in 2013, protected more than half-a-million hectares of some of our most beautiful forests. It turned Tasmania from a carbon emitter into a net carbon sink. It strengthened our brand and diversified our economy,” she said.
Mr Bayley, a former Wilderness Society campaigner and prominent anti-cablecar activist, confirmed he would be nominating for the recount.
“I want to say thanks and acknowledge Cassy for her contribution to political life in Tasmania and to the Greens,” he said.
“This island is a better place for her contribution and I wish her well in the future.”
Mr Bailey is known for his involvement with the Residents Opposed to the Cable Car group.
Tasmanian Electoral Commissioner Andrew Hawkey said work on the timetable for a recount of Ms O’Connor’s votes would start immediately.
“There’s 14 days for people to consent, once we receive that consent, we undertake a hand count of the ballot papers from Ms O’Connor to find a replacement.”
“After that, nominations will close at midday on the final day and we commence counting that afternoon, it may be done that afternoon or the following day.”
WHAT THEY SAID
Premier Jeremy Rockliff
“Since her election in 2008, Ms O’Connor has been a fierce advocate on issues she believes in, and well respected for her conviction.To be the first woman Greens MP nationally to serve as a Cabinet Minister is an achievement that will endure and inspire beyond Ms O’Connor’s parliamentary career.”
Labor leader Rebecca White
“While we haven’t always seen eye to eye, Cassy has been a passionate fighter and a formidable parliamentarian, not only on environmental issues, but also on a range of social issues. Cassy is a highly regarded political opponent, and I have always respected her intelligence, courage and ability to prosecute arguments incisively and eloquently.”
Greens MP, Rosalie Woodruff
“Cassy has been much loved by the people of Clark, and topped the polls in 2021. She is recognised as a tireless champion for climate action, a fair society, a prosperous, low-carbon economy and the protection of forests and wilderness.”
Bob Brown, founder, The Bob Brown Foundation
“(Cassy was) a strong and wise defender of Tasmania’s future, in particular its wild and scenic beauty, wildlife, Aboriginal heritage and visitor hospitality. She has been a champion for social justice and was the most innovative Minister for Housing Tasmania has seen. “
david.killick@news.com.au
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