HOBART—Generation X politicians now lead each of Tasmania's three political parties after a bloodless Greens handover completed the set.
Tasmanian Greens leader Peg Putt, 55, quit politics today, saying her parliamentary mission was over after 15 years as a state MP - 10 as a party leader.
"I have seen off the political leaders who attempted to see off the Greens," she told reporters in Hobart.
Former Premiers Paul Lennon, Robin Gray and Jim Bacon were Ms Putt's greatest parliamentary challenges.
Ms Putt said that she was left standing on the political battlefield after tangling with the likes of Mr Lennon, and the others, was a testament to her strength.
Ms Putt endorsed her deputy, Nick McKim, 43, announcing him as the party's new leader of three other Greens MPs in the 25 seat Tasmanian lower house.
"We have now seen generational change in all three political parties represented in the Tasmanian parliament," he told reporters at joint news conference today with Ms Putt.
"This provides Tasmania with a unique opportunity to move forward in a cooperative and constructive way to take this state forward."
Premier David Bartlett, 40, and his deputy Lara Giddings, 35, and Liberal Opposition Leader Will Hodgman, 39, and his deputy Jeremy Rockliff, 38, complete the Gen X set.
Ms Putt is expected to be replaced in the state parliament by a Greens candidate, Cassy O'Connor, after a countback of votes in the seat of Denison.
Mr Hodgman led the political tributes to Ms Peg Putt, saying she had been a formidable political force who had campaigned tirelessly for her beliefs.
Ms Putt had also set an example to women in Tasmania, he said.
Mr Hodgman said he hoped Mr McKim would bring a more pragmatic approach to the leadership, to balancing sustainable development with environmental concerns, rather than opposing everything at all costs.
Ms Putt has ruled out a federal parliamentary career, saying she wants to work dealing with climate change.
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