Tasmanian Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson has announced his retirement from federal politics after more than a decade of service.
The 57-year-old made the emotional announcement at the Greens state conference in Launceston today, choking back tears as he told supporters it was time for someone else to “carry the torch”.
Whish-Wilson, who entered parliament in 2012 replacing former Greens leader Bob Brown, has been a passionate advocate for marine protection, earning him the nickname of the “surfing senator”.
During his speech, the senator warned of threats to humanity and democracy, drawing on the words of late primatologist Jane Goodall to urge supporters to “never give up”.
“Never forget this, the forces rigging our economy, undermining our democracy, polluting [and] destroying our planet, and stoking hatred for their own political ends,” he told conference attendees.
“They are counting on you, me, all of us, to give up.”
“That is their strategy, there is nothing complicated about it.”
Before entering politics, Whish-Wilson worked as a trained economist and was known for his anti-pulp mill advocacy in Tasmania.
Tasmanian state Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff praised Whish-Wilson’s contribution in a social media post following the announcement.
“Pete – you’ve been an unrelenting champion for the marine environment. A shining light for nature,” she wrote.
“This island and its waters are so much the better for your brave, honest advocacy.”
