Australian 'GREENS' Leader (World Govt. Advocator) QUITS..! Hooray..!
Bob Brown quits as Greens leader, setting challenge for party and new leader Christine Milne
April 13, 2012
NEW Greens leader Christine Milne has vowed to court greater support in country Australia and among "progressive" businesses after succeeding Bob Brown today.
In a surprise move, Senator Brown, 67, said he would leave the Senate in June. The party will now seek a successor to fill his seat.
Senator Milne was unanimously endorsed by colleagues as Senator Brown's successor, while the Greens' sole lower house representative, Melbourne MP Adam Bandt, was elected as her deputy.
The Greens and Prime Minister Julia Gillard declared the leadership change did not alter the party's minority government agreement with Labor.
Senator Brown said he had been considering retiring since the last election, and finally made the decision with his partner Paul Thomas two weeks ago while attending a global Greens conference in Senegal.
“I am sad to leave but happy to go,” he said in Canberra.
“It's a great reassurance to me that under Christine leadership this team will be in place.”
Senator Brown's departure presents a huge challenge for the party, which faces the loss of its Senate balance of power position at the next election amid surging support for the Coalition and Bob Katter's Australia Party.
Senator Milne said she faced a “daunting task”, but the Greens' team was up for the challenge.
She pledged to fight the “biggest assault on the environment in Australia we've seen in a very long time” by reaching out to country Australia and to business.
“Rural and regional Australia has a critical role to play in this century, particularly in terms of food security in a global context, particularly in terms of renewable energy and energy efficiency,” she said.
“Rural communities will also be the backbone of environmental sustainability and protection. I'm going out there as a country person to say to other country people..that it's time that the Greens and country and rural and regional Australia work together.
“I also want to have a much more vigorous dialogue with progressive business in Australia.”
The shock leadership change comes at the high point of the Greens' influence in Australian politics due to its minority government deal with Labor and its balance of power position in the Senate.
Senator Brown said he did not fear for the party's future, adding it was “on a trajectory to lead a future government”.
He said the Tasmanian Greens would seek a candidate to fill his seat. He had already spoken to state leader Nick McKim who had declined to the position.
Senator Milne said without the Greens' role in minority government, there would have been no carbon tax, and she would continue to push hard to put in place Greens policies.
The party had 48 private members' bills before the parliament and it would fight to have them debated, she said.
“My role is to advance the Greens, to give the community a very clear signal about where the Greens want to take this country,” she said.
Senator Milne paid tribute to Senator Brown's “extraordinary leadership” and promised to build on his legacy.
“Under Bob's wise leadership, the Greens have grown into the undisputed third force in Australian politics, with our vision, policies and action towards a healthier, cleverer, cleaner future embraced by 1.7 million Australians,” Senator Milne said.
“Under my leadership, we will work tirelessly towards making Australia a great place to live and work, now and into the future; a country whose government values what our people value.”
Senator Milne said Mr Bandt's elevation meant the Greens had a “great team for the city and the bush”.
Senator Brown said he looked forward to “fresh green pursuits” including bushwalking, writing, photography, music, and occasional talks.
He said he believed he was still relatively young and athletic, but wanted to encourage a new generation of Greens leaders.
Mr Thomas was at Senator Brown's side when he announced his decision at a press conference in Canberra.
“I'm looking forward to testing Bob's athleticism on some of the mountains of Tasmania,” Mr Thomas said.
“I'm also looking forward to him perhaps sharing a greater load of the household task.
“And also just having time to share as a couple in the things that couples do.”
Julia Gillard paid tribute to Senator Brown's “remarkable contribution” to state and federal politics over three decades.
“Throughout his time in elected office, Bob Brown has been a figure of integrity with a deep love for this country and its environment,” the Prime Minister said in a statement.
“I wish him well for his life beyond politics,” said Ms Gillard, who also congratulated Senator Milne.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said Senator Brown had occupied a major role in Australian politics and predicted “turbulent times” ahead for the party.
“I think Bob Brown has been a very strong force in Australian politics in recent years I would say too strong a force in Australian politics in recent years,” Mr Abbott said.
“All too often Bob Brown has looked like the real prime minister of this country.
“But I think he has had a role in respect of the Greens a little bit like that of Don Chipp in the Australian Democrats.”
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/nati...-1226325838511
PS - Good Riddance you SCUMBAG..!
(World Govt. Advocator)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_MpLocFQus
Why did you Quit Bob..?
Maybe this will give us hint..?
Most Politicians come back from a Conference like that rejuvenated armed with New Policies to shove down peoples throats, but You 'QUIT' because something/someone forced you too, hey Bob..!Senator Brown said he had been considering retiring since the last election, and finally made the decision two weeks ago while attending a Global Greens Conference in Senegal.
Or maybe it just dawned on you the GREEN SCAM is Dead, Buried & Cremated..!!!
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