Legal powerhouse Vanessa Bleyer confirmed as new Greens Senator
Legal powerhouse Vanessa Bleyer confirmed as new Greens Senator | Australian Greens Skip to main content Search Get Involved Join Donate Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Get Involved Join Donate Search Our plan Toggle Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action Policy principles & aims Our team Toggle Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Media releases Take action Toggle Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Our movement Toggle About the Greens Become a member Jobs Green Magazine All news Legal powerhouse Vanessa Bleyer confirmed as new Greens Senator 2026-04-14 The Greens are proud to announce Vanessa Bleyer as the next Senator for Tasmania, following a final ballot count of membership votes by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission today.
Ms Bleyer will replace Senator Peter Whish-Wilson when he retires from Australia’s Federal Parliament. A specialist environmental lawyer with a distinguished career spanning over 20 years, Vanessa has used the law as a shield for the environment, successfully fighting major corporate and industrial threats to Tasmania’s ecosystems. Lines attributable to Vanessa Bleyer: “It is my absolute privilege to be selected to represent Tasmania in the Senate for the Greens.
“I thank the members for their confidence in me. I look forward to achieving outcomes for Tasmanians in the Senate, including ending native forest logging and providing safe and secure housing to those struggling without it. “I congratulate my fellow candidates and know they will continue to do great things.
I look forward to the next few months preparing to assume Senator Whish-Wilson's position, whose shoes it will be an honour to fill.” Lines attributable to Senator Peter Whish-Wilson: “I have known Vanessa for nearly 20 years, as a friend, lawyer, staunch activist and advocate for nature and communities. I couldn't be more thrilled that the Tasmanian Greens membership has chosen her to fill my casual vacancy in the Senate.
“I first met Vanessa in 2007 when we were both campaigning against the Tamar Valley Pulp Mill, and have had the privilege of her running second on my Senate ticket in 2002. Few have worked harder for their community and to protect nature than Vanessa, her preselection is so very deserving. “Vanessa has courage, integrity, a mighty work ethic, a big heart and a passion that will keep the torch burning along a path well trodden by Bob Brown and Christine Milne.
Alongside Nick McKim fighting in the Senate, Vanessa will be a champion for Tasmania and a better future for all of us.” Lines attributable to Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Larissa Waters: “I’m delighted Vanessa has been chosen by our members to join our Senate team. She brings formidable legal expertise, a strong record of environmental advocacy, and she’ll push for a fairer future for people and the planet, not the 1%.
"We will all dearly miss Senator Surfer, who has worked tirelessly for the people of Tasmania, for our environment, our oceans, and for a fairer future for everyone. I know Pete will cherish more time with his family, and I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds for him." Lines attributable to Senator Nick McKim: “I’m stoked that Vanessa has been chosen by our members.
She is joining an incredibly strong team at an exciting time for the Greens and I can’t wait to start working with her. Facebook for the Australian Greens YouTube for the Australian Greens X for the Australian Greens Instagram for the Australian Greens Bluesky for the Australian Greens Privacy Members website Your safety Contact us Our plan Tax the 1% Tackle the cost of living Healthcare for all Fix the housing crisis Strong climate action In your language 2025 policy platform Policy principles & aims Our team Federal MPs State/territory MPs Officeholders Federal portfolios Federal media releases Take action Volunteer Donate Issues & campaigns Upcoming events Greens Shop Leave a bequest Green Magazine All news Our movement About the Greens Become a member Jobs Members website State/territory parties Contact us The Greens acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
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