Tasmanian Greens MP Helen Burnet has resigned from the party after more than two decades to sit as an independent on the crossbench.
The Clark MP announced her departure on Friday morning, saying she wanted to be “more effective” in representing her electorate.
“This is not a decision that has been made in haste,” she said.
“Far from it. I have represented the Greens in local government and in state parliament for more than 20 years.”
Burnet said she would continue to hold her seat but would no longer be bound by the party.
“… In order to be as effective as possible in my role in parliament and in representing the people of Clark, their interests and lutruwita/Tasmania’s interests, I will sit as an independent on the crossbench and work constructively across the parliament,” she said.
She said she had notified Premier Jeremy Rockliff, Speaker Jacquie Petrusma, her parliamentary colleagues and party representatives of her decision.
Burnet was first elected to state parliament in March 2024 after 19 years on the Hobart City Council, including seven as deputy lord mayor.
In August 2025, she was elected deputy speaker and chair of committees with cross-party support.
Her departure reduces the Greens’ lower house representation to four MPs in the minority parliament, where crossbench votes carry significant weight.
“I resign from the Greens with the clear intention of being more effective, accountable and heard on matters that are important to our state and the community of Clark,” Burnet said.
She acknowledged her “perhaps not unexpected” decision would disappoint some supporters and thanked party members and volunteers for their years of support.
“No doubt this decision will not sit well with many of you,” she said.
“Again, I say that this is a decision I must make in order to be more effective in the Tasmanian parliament.”
Burnet stressed her core beliefs remained unchanged despite leaving the party.
“While I will make my voice heard in a different way, my beliefs and values remain the same,” she said.
Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff called Burnet’s decision to leave the party “deeply disappointing”.
“To be honest, it has blindsided us. Until today, Helen had not indicated this was something she was considering,” Woodruff said in a statement.
“It’s still unclear exactly what motivated her decision.”
Woodruff said the decision would come as a “big shock” to those who voted for the party and Burnet six months ago at the state election.
“There will be many members, supporters, volunteers and voters who feel let down today,” she said.
“I want to reassure every one of them that the time they gave, their hard work and passion and the trust they gave us is not in vain.”
“The Greens’ team will go on and continue to fight for this island and its people.”
