In an emotional statement to the media, Cassy O’Connor revealed she would be leaving her long-held post as leader of the Tasmanian Greens Party.
In a press conference on Thursday, Ms. O’Connor announced her choice, saying it came at the “right time” for her party but offering no specific justification.
She told reporters in Hobart that this wasn’t an easy decision.
“I enjoy my job, and I especially appreciate working in a dynamic, fascinating, balance-of-power parliament… though it is time to leave.
Ms. O’Connor was originally elected to the Green Party in 2008, and in 2015 she was made party leader.
Ms. O’Connor said her political career was still going strong after a relatively long tenure and announced her desire to run for a seat in the state’s upper chamber.
“I’m still not done. She declared, “I will run for pre-selection for the Legislative Council seat representing Hobart.
In the Legislative Council, the major parties currently hold a majority. I aspire to fill the role of the Green upstairs—someone dependable and sincere—that we really need.
“The Greens are at the ideal moment. Both the House of Assembly and the leadership need to be renewed. It is also the correct time for me after 15 years as a member of parliament and 8 years as leader.
“I require a rest. I need to regenerate and free up some space on my hard drive.
After former leader Peg Putt resigned in 2008, Ms. O’Connor won the seat of Denison, and her parliamentary term officially began.
In a power-sharing agreement between Labour and the Greens, she was appointed Cabinet Secretary after being re-elected two years later.
When Ms. O’Connor was appointed minister in 2011, she was responsible for human services, community development, Aboriginal affairs, and climate change. It was during this time that the historic Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) was advanced.
She referred to her vote on the RFA as her biggest professional accomplishment on Thursday.
“That vote in 2013 protected more than half a million hectares of some of our most beautiful forests,” said Ms. O’Connor.
Shortly after her departure was announced, Adam Bandt, the head of the federal Green Party, thanked Ms. O’Connor on social media for the “amazing work” she has done as the leader of Tasmania and the Clark MP.
“Cassy’s been a strong and fierce advocate for integrity, equality, and the environment in Lutruwita, holding the Libs to account over the past eight years,” Mr. Bandt stated on Twitter.
“Good luck with whatever comes after,”
No matter your political inclinations, contributing to the Parliament for well over a decade is no minor feat, said Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff in praising Ms. O’Connor for her service.
Rosalie Woodruff, a member of the Greens’ lower house delegation, will serve as interim party leader while the Clark electorate is being recounted.
