Tasmanian Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor has announced she is retiring from the party, effective immediately.
O’Connor made the announcement at a surprise press conference in Hobart this morning.
“This hasn’t been an easy decision,” she said on Thursday.
“I love my job, I love working in parliament and especially in an exciting, dynamic, balance-of-power parliament… but it is time to go.”
“I need a break. I need to clear some space in my hard drive and to regenerate.”
Rosalie Woodruff MP will act as the leader of the Green Party for the foreseeable future.
O’Connor, who was first elected in 2008 before becoming the leader of the party in 2015, will now stand for the Legislative Council seat of Hobart.
“The major parties now have a majority in the Legislative Council. We need a Green upstairs, someone trustworthy and true, and I hope to be that person,” she said.
“It’s the right time for the Greens. We need renewal in the leadership, and in the House of Assembly.”
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff acknowledged O’Connors resignation shortly after the announcement.
“While @CassyOConnorMP and I certainly didn’t see eye to eye on a number of things (and some we did), there’s no doubt Cassy’s a passionate advocate for the Greens here in Tasmania,” Rockliff wrote on Twitter.
“No matter your political stripes, contributing to the Parliament for well over a decade is no small feat.”
“I commend Cassy for her service, and wish her all the very best for her break from public life.”
