Dr Bob Brown says Owen Fitzgerald is ‘face of future’ for Greens party

A young Greens’ candidate at the upcoming federal election has received the backing of Dr Brown Brown. Read why.

Owen Fitzgerald with Bob Brown. Greens have announced 19 year old Owen Fitzgerald as their candidate for Franklin in the next federal election with the backing of former leader Bob Brown. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

At 80, Bob Brown is the doyen of green politics and at just 19, Owen Fitzgerald is possibly the youngest political candidate at this year’s federal election.

The age gap is no barrier to the unique bond they have formed in recent years.

Dr Brown, the former Tasmanian MP and senator who led the Australian Greens, first met Owen at climate change rally four years ago.

“Owen led the rally of thousands of school students and I was very impressed – he had great rapport with the crowd,” he said.

“The Greens have to be fostering new talent, and Owen is the face of the future.

“He has wide ranging interests and has got a better grip on matters than some older members of parliament I’ve met.

“Owen is a positive young voice in a world being trashed by the old parties.”

Former Greens Senator Bob Brown speaks during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, March 22, 2017. Picture: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Dr Brown has endorsed Mr Fitzgerald’s campaign as the Greens’ candidate for Franklin at the election to be held before the end of May.

“Owen is the exciting voice of a new generation facing up to the social and environmental problems created by government failure,” he said.

“He’s probably the youngest candidate standing at the federal election and it shows the Greens are in good hands.”

Mr Fitzgerald, an adviser to Senator Nick McKim, was just 18 when he stood in Franklin at last year’s state election.

He’s chuffed to have the backing of Dr Brown.

“It’s amazing to have his support.

“He’s such an incredible mentor, it’s beyond words.

“The man who started it all is backing the new generation.”

Zoe Witkowski 22 and Owen Fitzgerald 19 who are youth climate leaders. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Fitzgerald joined the School Strike 4 Climate movement in 2021 and the following year became the group’s organiser.

As an activist he has attended international climate and political forums including the 2022 Humanitarian Affairs Asia’s Green Summit in Thailand and the 2024 Change the World Model UN in New York.

Mr Fitzgerald said he had enjoyed the state election campaign.

“I loved connecting with the community at last state election,” he said.

“I grew up in the electorate of Franklin, swimming at the Southern beaches, now threatened by toxic salmon farming, and walking through old growth forests, now due to be logged.

“I have seen first-hand the impacts of these destructive industries and the climate crisis all around me.

“It is time young people had more of a voice in parliament.

“Future generations must live with the consequences of current legislation, yet we have practically no say in our own future.”

Mr Fitzgerald said it was time the two major parties were challenged for what he said was their failure to address climate change.

“The climate crisis and cost of living pressures are making life harder for so many people across Franklin – clearly something has to change,” he said.

“We can’t keep voting for the same two parties and expecting a different result. If you want change, the first step is to vote for it.”