Tammy Franks, the co-leader of the Greens in South Australia, has announced her resignation from the party citing persistent sabotage by a small faction within the organisation. After two decades as a member, including 15 years serving in the state parliament, Franks felt she had no alternative but to leave. She expressed her frustrations, stating, “I felt I had no choice” and realised she could no longer tolerate the detrimental behaviour that silenced her.
Franks alleged that a group of party members and aides undermined her efforts, beginning with their push for her to withdraw from the upcoming election. Their actions escalated to the submission of a lengthy 100-page complaint accusing her of misconduct. Emphasising her grievances, she remarked, “I joined a political party, not a cult,” insisting that any allegations should have been properly investigated.
She highlighted that the person leading the internal dissent continues to work in the office of Robert Simms, the only other Greens MP in the state parliament. Simms described her resignation as “a profoundly disappointing outcome for the Greens and me personally.”
The news of Franks’ departure surprised many within the parliament. Treasurer Stephen Mullighan expressed his shock, while independent MP Frank Pangallo commended her contributions, stating she has “been a good member and served the state well.”
Now identifying as an independent, Franks assured constituents there would be no change in her voting patterns on legislation, clarifying that her resignation was not ideologically motivated. While she had previously indicated she would not contest the next election, she is now leaving that option open, which might lead to a broader political resurgence.