“Sad to leave but happy to go”: Jamie Parker delivers valedictory speech to NSW Parliament

By TILEAH DOBSON

Greens Member for the seat of Balmain, Jamie Parker has stated his desire to quit politics, ending his 12 years and leaving the seat open for grabs in the upcoming state election.

Having represented the people of Balmain since 2011, Parker was also the first of  the Greens to represent the party in NSW Parliament. At 51 years old, Parker has been active in social justice and environmental issues for decades.

During his valedictory speech to parliament in early November this year, Parker admitted that he hadn’t “expected to be elected to anything, especially the New South Wales Parliament.”

“The Greens may be a small party, but we have a big appetite for change,” Parker said.

He attributed four key principles that the Greens stand for as his guide that allowed him “to serve [his] community.” Parker also recalled fondly that through him did the Greens learn the differences between the Upper and Lower Houses of NSW Parliament.

“Having only been a party of the Upper House, we did not know then that there were many critical differences between the two Houses of Parliament,” he said.

“A key one being question time. In the other place it is more of a voluntary exercise.”

23 years with the Greens

As the son of a tradesman and grandson to a proud dock worker on his mother’s side, Parker wasn’t born into politics but raised himself into it through his determination for change.

Back in his university days, he served as the NSW president and national environment officer of the National Union of Students. Parker was later elected to Leichhardt Council back in 1999 as a NSW Greens member.

Re-elected twice in 2004 and 2008, Parker used his time on the council to continuously fight for issues important to him and his party. He also served as chair of the Environment Committee during his tenure on the local council, along with Deputy Mayor and later as the Mayor of Leichhardt.

Parker retired from local council and pursued state politics, beating Labor candidate Verity Firth at the 2011 state election. This was a significant moment for Parker and for the Greens as he became the first NSW Greens member to sit in the Lower House of NSW Parliament.

What’s next?

Towards the end of his speech, Parker acknowledged and thanked not only the parliamentary staff for their work, but the families of all members of parliament who sacrifice their home life for democracy.

“One of the few things that all members agree on is that our families that carry the burden,” Parker said.

“The missed birthdays, the late nights, the short weekends, the lack of time and having to share me with every local resident who wants to ‘just mention their issue very quickly, just for five minutes’ in the café, the park, the restaurant and walking down the street.”

While expressing sadness that his time in NSW Parliament was drawing to a close, Parker is determined to continue his service outside of parliament.

“I am sad to leave but happy to go, knowing what we have achieved together and the bright future of the Greens in the inner west.”

His departure is projected to trigger a tussle between Inner West councillors Kobi Shetty, who has been announced as the Greens candidate to replace Parker, and Labor deputy mayor Philippa Scott. If Shetty is successful at the ballot box, the entire NSW Greens party room will be female.