Former Greens leader Cassy O’Connor believes her chances at LegCo has been boosted

Cassy O’Connor says she wants to capture Hobart’s ‘green beating heart’ as she campaigns for a historic seat in the Legislative Council. The state election’s potential impact >>

Cassy O'Connor who will run for the Tasmanian Greens in the seat of Hobart in the Legislative Council elections in 2024. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Former Tasmanian Greens leader Cassy O’Connor says her party’s strong performance at the recent state election has supercharged her campaign to enter the Legislative Council.

Ms O’Connor, who left parliament last year, has been campaigning in the division of Hobart.

She is one of two declared contender to date along with independent Charlie Burton.

The Greens look set to return five members to the House of Assembly — including two in Ms O’Connor’s former electorate of Clark.

“The party is really energised after the election results,” she said on Friday.

“So we’ve got members and supporters who absolutely champing at the bit.

“We start seriously door knocking again this weekend and we’re just going to keep working hard on the ground every day between now and polling day to make history in Hobart and win our first ever Green seat in the upper house.

Cassy O'Connor. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“I think Hobart has, as a city, demonstrated over decades, that it has a big green beating heart.”

Ms O’Connor rejected the suggestion that it was important to elect independent candidates to the Legislative Council.

“I think it’s about the quality and track record of the people that we elect,” she said.

“I understand the move towards independents and minor parties because the Liberal and Labor parties have proven themselves to be such duds and so rarely do they act in the public interest.”

Ms O’Connor said health and housing had been the major issues voters had raised with her so far, with young people also raising climate.

The proposed AFL stadium was often raised in contrast as a wrong priority, she said.

As party leader, Ms O’Connor was noted for her sometimes fiery performances in the House of Assembly,

“I’m a truth teller and if I’m elected, I’ll continue to be so but I’m sure because of the culture of the Legislative Council those conversations will be more measured,” she said.

“But it doesn’t mean that you don’t speak the truth up there and fight for your community and make sure that the legislation that goes through there is the best that it can be.”

The May 4 election could be a turning point for the Greens, Ms O’Connor said. The party has mostly been successful in multi-member electorates in the Lower House and the federal Senate.

“We’ve never won a single-member electorate in Tasmania. I’m prepared to give it a go.

“I really love this beautiful city and the community that I’m part of.

“The reason that I put my hand up when I stepped down as leader and member Clark is that I’ve got more to give.”