Recently Greens MP David Shoebridge left the NSW upper house to become a candidate for federal parliament – this left a space which after a ballot within the Greens, has now been filled by Lismore environmental lawyer and well known local, Sue Higginson.
Though hopeful of filling the position Ms Higginson said she was surprised by the win. ‘It is the first statewide preselection process I have participated in so it was novel to me. I think perhaps I set myself up for surprise. I was very Zen about it all. I set out on a pathway knowing there was a T intersection ahead.
‘While I ran a campaign to win and take one direction, I was also very content to take the other direction, my current path. I run my own legal practice as a public interest, which I love. I knew whichever direction it was determined I would take at the T intersection, I would get to do what I love, work for this incredible planet and people who are having a hard time.’
Ms Higginson said she was very excited and humbled by the win. ‘I now join the incredible team of Greens MPs in the NSW Parliament and across the Country.
Greens play an important role in our political system
‘The Greens play such an important role in our political system. We are holding the two bigger parties to account and putting forward a vision for a fairer and more hopeful future. We have been doing this steadfast in Australia for the past 40 years.
‘I have lived and breathed NSW politics, law and policy for three decades through a justice lens and I have a raging fire in my belly to work for justice, so I think I am heading in the right direction.
‘In addition to achieving positive outcomes for communities and the environment I hope to help build the positive and caring movement that the Greens is built upon. I hope to continue to build that movement here in the Northern Rivers.
‘The first-ever Greens MP elected to the NSW Parliament was from the Northern Rivers, we hold the state seat of Ballina with Tamara Smith MP, we almost won the state seat of Lismore at the last two state elections and after May we may hold the Federal Seat of Richmond.
Greens are a circuit breaker to the two-party political system
‘I genuinely believe the Greens present the best circuit breaker to the two-party political system which people no longer trust and is currently failing communities and the environment. I hope to help young people believe in a positive future and to engage in politics and democracy.
Over the past three decades, Ms Higginson has worked with First Nations communities, activists, farmers, grassroots community groups, scientists, young people, environmental organisations and many others across all of NSW in many campaigns against injustice – she says now she hopes to bring their voices to her work as a Green MP.
‘This is a most important decade in politics and we must take full action on climate change.
Probable Maximum Flood
‘As we speak, Lismore is experiencing an extreme weather event that has resulted in the most catastrophic flood event ever. Our landscapes and homes have nudged up to experiencing the Probable Maximum Flood, which is defined as the largest flood that could conceivably happen. The SES defines that as a 1 in 10,000 to 10,000,000 years event. Like the fires of 2019 when the rainforest burnt.
‘Taking the strongest action on climate change must be our priority. This means ending coal and gas, ending native forest logging, making our planning system focussed on keeping people safe and regenerating landscapes so that we can be positive and resilient together.
‘Addressing inequality is paramount. We need to get real about the fact corporate capitalism is in free fall, has given birth to billionaires, is harming the environment, not supporting our essential public services and young people are losing the dream of ever owning a home.’
Ms Higginson said the vote was a competitive process, with three candidates having their hats in the ring. ‘It was a very collegiate and supportive process and I am very grateful to the other two candidates for being wonderful fellow travellers.
‘I received a very strong show of support, it is humbling.
‘I will do everything I can to live up to the support and trust that has been instilled in me in this role.’
Bloody brilliant Sue, back in the 90s when we were both standing in one of the many elections I was deeply impressed by you and this cheers me up no end.
Congratulations Sue. I know you will do the Northern Rivers proud. And your advocacy will have far reaching implications.
Congratulations Sue. You’ve always been there for me when i’ve needed legal advice on a range of planning issues concerning our region (the Ballina Shire in particular) through your work with the Environmental Defenders Office. From trying to shut down the toxic bitumen plant in the heart of Alstonville, the CSG threat and other environmental planning issues. Your elevation to the NSW Parliament is wonderful particularly given the mounting issues we are facing with climate change, etc.
Always on the ball, stay wake!
Troy.