The resignation of Greens Leader Bob Brown is sending shock waves through the construction industry, particularly in the green building sector.
That sector, which has been heavily driven under the enthusiasm and force of Brown’s Greens party now rests on shaky ground.
According to Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, the Greens will be in for ‘turbulent times’ in light of the leadership change due to the loss of what he called ‘too strong a force’ in Brown.
“I think these will be turbulent times for the Greens if and when he departs,” says Abbott.
Brown’s role – whether real of perceived – as the key cog in the Greens machine is worrying the green building sector, Abbott suggests. The Opposition Leader has said the former Greens leader’s role extended even beyond his own sector, with his departure sure to affect the industry at large.
“All too often Bob Brown has looked like the real Prime Minister of this country,” says Abbott.
However, with the announcement that Melbourne MP Adam Bandt will take over as Christine Milne’s deputy, many in the industry have been heartened once again. Bandt, a Greens and industry favourite, has been welcomed into the position with open arms.
“I’m really looking forward to working together with him as well as our whole party room,” says new Greens leader Milne. “Adam has a tremendous grasp of the issues confronting Australia, and I know he shares my passion to start a national conversation about what an Australian society values and wants to promote as we face the challenges of the century.”
Bandt has discussed his role as a stabiliser throughout these turmultuous times, with his comittment likely to boost waning confidence.
“I look forward to working with Christine Milne in providing stable leadership in this new phase in the growth of our party,” says Bandt. “We are ready to tackle the challenges of the future and we will continue to be the centre for innovation in the Australian parliament.”
With the Greens taking on such a newfound strong role in parliament, the new leadership will surely be tested in the coming weeks.
