Richard Di Natale resigns as Greens leader and plans to quit federal politics
Richard Di Natale has resigned as federal leader of the Greens after almost five years leading the party.
Queensland Greens Senator and co-deputy leader Larissa Waters with outgoing Greens Leader Richard Di Natale. (Photo: AAP)
The Victorian senator will also quit federal politics once his state branch has chosen a replacement for his Upper House seat.
Queensland Senator Larissa Waters, and Victorian MP Adam Bandt are both considered the likely frontrunners to replace him as federal leader.
Bandt has already flagged his intentions to stand for the party’s leadership and Waters tweeted that she would be seeking the party room’s support to remain Greens deputy leader.
Di Natale cited family reasons for the sudden end to his leadership.
“It’s not a decision I have come to lightly, because leading this incredible movement for nearly five years has been one of the biggest honours of my life,” he said.
“But my boys are nine and 11 years old now and they’ve only ever known their dad as a busy and tired, and sometimes grumpy, politician.
“They are growing up quickly and I want to spend more time by their side.”
Di Natale was elected to the Greens leadership in May 2015 after Tasmanian Christine Milne announced she was quitting federal politics.
He was elected to the Senate in 2010, having previously contested state election seats in Victoria.
The former GP, who played second-tier Aussie rules in his 20s, took on the Greens health portfolio and oversaw the party’s sport and multiculturalism policies.
“My wife has been a huge support for me in my career and I want to be able to support her in her career,” Di Natale said.
Di Natale had time away from the Federal Parliament for a knee operation last year.
He said that time away from politics allowed him to reflect on his future.
Once it became clear he would not seek preselection for the next election, he decided it was time to leave politics altogether.
“I know this comes as a shock. It has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life, but the time is right,” Di Natale said.
“It’s right for me and for the boys and for Lucy. The time is right for the Greens, rejuvenation and renewal is very important in politics.
“Our movement is bigger than one person.”
Di Natale declined to say who he wanted to replace him as leader.
The Greens will determine the party’s next leader on Tuesday.
Di Natale expects the Victorian Greens will have elected a replacement for his seat by the middle of the year.
-ABC
