2015-05-11
Giz Watson and Penny Allman-Payne (Australian Greens Co-Convenors)
Unless you've been under a rock somewhere (and there's nothing wrong with that!) you will know that Christine Milne has resigned as Parliamentary Leader and Richard Di Natale has been elected as the new leader by the Party Room, unopposed.
We issued the following statement on the day:
The Australian Greens Co-convenors offer their deepest gratitude to Senator Christine Milne following the announcement of her decision to step down as Parliamentary Leader.
"We commend Senator Milne for her excellent leadership and thank her for the energy, passion and commitment she has given to our party and Australian politics," said Australian Greens Co-convenors Giz Watson and Penny Allman-Payne.
"Senator Milne has led the Australian Greens to increased electoral success in all the recent elections in Victoria, Queensland and NSW as well as the WA senate by-election. As she leaves the Parliamentary leadership the party is in great shape: our membership is growing, our national organisation has been revitalised and our polling remains strong."
"We are also very pleased to welcome Richard Di Natale as our new Parliamentary leader and Scott Ludlam and Larissa Waters as co-deputies."
"We thank Senator Di Natale for his willingness to take on this demanding role."
Now that the dust has settled a bit, we can be pleased that once again the Greens have shown we can go through a change in leadership without the bloodletting and turmoil that seems the norm in other political parties. The main complaint from the Canberra press pack seems to be that they weren't in on the impending resignation and weren't provided the opportunity for number crunching, speculating and other games of intrigue! And they are correct in as much as it came as a surprise to all of us.
It's also worth reminding ourselves that although there has been some criticism –— from within and without — about the lack of a role for members in the selection of leader, we have just been through an exhaustive debate within the party over the past two years and consensus was not reached to change the process. So until there is that consensus we operate under the current party room rules.
Christine has done a magnificent job and after 25 years well and truly deserves to step back from the heat of the leadership role. It's a testament to her commitment that she's already talking about continuing to fight against climate change on the international stage. Now is a good time for the transition — for generational change — giving the party and the Parliamentary team time to re-adjust well before the next Federal election.
The co-convenors have spoken at length with Richard since his election and offer our support and congratulations. We have welcomed Richard's commitment to continuing Christine's cabinet style in the Parliamentary team and building close links with the party.
We also welcome Scott Ludlam and Larissa Waters as co-deputy leaders, modelling the approach of having co-convenors of the party and spreading the leadership team geographically with a West Australian and a Queenslander.
We look forward to welcoming Richard at the first meeting of the new National Council in Melbourne from 15-17 May.