Green to lead Labor to election
NEW Opposition Leader Bryan Green intends to take Labor to the next election, vowing to rebuild the party after suffering its worst result in history.
Mr Green emerged from a four-hour caucus meeting in Hobart yesterday as the new leader, appearing side-by-side with outgoing premier Lara Giddings and new deputy Michelle O'Byrne.
Labor insiders had suggested Mr Green would be a short-term leader before handing over to younger members Scott Bacon, Rebecca White or even the ousted David O'Byrne, but Mr Green said yesterday his appointment was not temporary.
"They (Scott Bacon and Rebecca White) have the necessary skills to be leaders one day, but that's not what the Parliamentary Labor Party chose today"
Bryan Green
"I will be the leader over the next four years," Mr Green said. "They (Scott Bacon and Rebecca White) have the necessary skills to be leaders one day, but that's not what the Parliamentary Labor Party chose today.
"They themselves have had long discussions with us about how they see their future."
The unanimous result means a ballot of rank and file members and affiliated unions is no longer required.
It is a remarkable political recovery for Mr Green, who endured two criminal trials for interfering with an executive officer of the Crown in 2007 and 2008. The jury did not reach a verdict in either trial.
"Don't forget I've had a couple of light plane crashes in between and a couple of other things - I am a survivor," Mr Green said.
Ms Giddings had wanted to stay on as leader but did not attempt to fight Mr Green for the position.
Both cited caucus unity as the priority.
"It is very important from the Parliamentary Labor Party's point of view that we do present a united front going forward," Mr Green said.
Ms Giddings said her demotion had not diminished her commitment to serve out her full term.
"I am very committed to my seat of Franklin and I intend to stay," Ms Giddings said.
Newcomer Madeleine Ogilvie, who was elected in Denison, will be the opposition whip, while the allocation of other portfolio responsibilities between the eight Labor MPs is yet to be determined.
Bryan Green