Tammy Franks MLC leaves the Greens
BREAKING: Tammy Franks announced her resignation from the SA Greens, alleging she was “undermined”.
Franks has been an SA Greens representative in the legislative council since 2010, and today announced she would serve the rest of her term as a “progressive independent”.
Franks said she was the recipient of unfair conduct in the Greens party room, which has been ongoing since last year and she will pursue legal action.
“I believe I have grounds for unfair and oppressive conduct to me under the Associations and Corporations Act,” she said on Tuesday.
Franks alleges “unfair and oppressive conduct” that involved a strategic coordination of misconduct complaints against her by staff in Robert Simms MLC’s office.
She said Communications Officer Sean Cullen-MacAskill played a “key role” and has “lost count” of how many other staffers were involved.
“A small coterie colluded against me, hoping to sabotage my work, to wear me down and dissuade me from continuing,” Franks said.
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“They also acted as a clique to the detriment of not just me, but others working around them.”
Franks said Simms “assured me he has had no part in this and was unaware”.
“The assurances that I received from Rob Simms last year that he didn’t know what was going on, I no longer believe.”
Robert Simms MLC addressed Franks’ resignation today but did not take questions from reporters. This picture: David Simmons/InDaily
Simms said in a statement today that he is “deeply saddened” by Franks’ decision to leave the party.
“Tammy has been rightly lauded for her work on a range of important portfolio areas and been a strong voice for the Greens over the last 15 years,” he said.
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“We have worked very closely together during this time.
“I know many members will share my sadness at this outcome, but our movement is bigger than any one person or individual.”
“I note that Tammy plans to retire at the next election. I am committed to working with our members and supporters to secure our seat back in 2026.”
Simms did not address the allegations. A statement from the Greens SA party office said “in relation to allegations made by Ms Franks in the media this morning, the party will not be making any further comment at this time”.
Cullen-MacAskill was contacted for comment.
Franks said the issues she faces are pervasive across the Greens.
“I’ve seen this happen in other states, and as it was happening to me, I reached out to people across the country, and I got advice from them, and they told me stories of other members that this has happened to,” she said.
“It’s almost like there is a playbook, and I know that some very motivated, ambitious and experienced members and staff in the Greens share this sort of information and use these tactics.”
Simms said it’s a “difficult day for the Greens”.
“We have these moments in our movement, but the results of the federal election from a few weeks ago demonstrate that we’re on track for a strong result of the next state election, and I’ll be working very closely with our members and supporters to not only get our seat back, but to increase our influence in the next parliament,” he said.
