State Greens MP Tabatha Badger has confirmed she has been nominated as a contender to replace retiring senator Peter Whish-Wilson in Canberra.
The 32-year-old, who was elected as an MP for Lyons in the March 2024 state election, confirmed her candidacy on social media on Monday night.
“Yes, I can confirm I’ve nominated for the Senate,” Badger posted.
“In line with the party processes and to respect the membership I won’t be making further public comment.”
Badger is understood to be competing against wilderness campaigners Scott Jordan and Alastair Allan, along with environmental lawyer Vanessa Bleyer for the coveted position.
The ballot will be posted to party members in coming days.
By convention, Senate vacancies are filled by the retiring member’s political party.
Badger was re-elected at the 2025 state election year with just over 7% of the vote.
She currently serves as the party’s spokesperson for Parks, Primary Industries, and Police, Fire and Emergency.
Before entering state parliament, she chaired the Wilderness Society and directed the Restore Pedder campaign.
Peter Whish-Wilson announced his retirement from federal politics last October after more than a decade in the Senate.
He was appointed in 2012 to replace former Greens leader Bob Brown and won elections in his own right in 2013, 2016 and 2022.
The Greens are expected to issue a statement this morning.
The successful candidate will have just over two years to establish themselves before campaigning to be re-elected at the next federal poll.
