Congratulations Kim Booth on terrific parliamentary career

Kim Booth has served Tasmania and the people of Bass with passion and dedication over 13 years in the Tasmanian Parliament and he will be greatly missed in public life by the community and Tasmanian Greens, senator and former Australian Greens Leader Christine Milne said today.

“I first met Kim Booth in 1988 when he played a fundraising gig for the farmers at Wesley Vale opposing North Broken Hill’s proposed pulp mill, and he hasn’t stopped campaigning since for a clean, green and clever Tasmania,” Senator Milne said.

“Kim Booth has dedicated himself to transition the forest industry out of industrial, native forest logging and was a stalwart in the battle against Gunns’ pulp mill and shining a light on the corruption that surrounded the entire approval process.

“No one can forget “shreddergate”, when the strong and forensic action Kim took to piece together critical evidence contributed to the end of the Lennon era.

“Kim’s dogged pursuit of overly generous subsidies for Forestry Tasmania and others in the industry have helped Tasmanians realise the financial and ecological disaster the native forest industry has been in this state.

“Inside and outside the Tasmanian Parliament, Kim has been a strong voice, standing up against vested interests and arguing for a sustainable future and new job opportunities for Tasmanians.

“The campaigns to protect the forests of the Great Western Tiers and eastern boundary of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, which led to their protection, are all part of Kim’s legacy.

“When Kim took on the leadership he had the clear goal of giving members greater engagement with the party and its processes, and this achievement stands the party in good stead for the future.

“The last time I stood with Kim at a rally was recently as he continued to speak out for the protection of agricultural land and water against fracking.

“I wish Kim, Kerin and their family a happy and healthy retirement, although no doubt he and I will continue to catch up in the ongoing battle to maintain Tasmania’s wonderful environment and quality of life.

“Congratulations Kim on a great parliamentary career,” Senator Milne said.