Senator Brown's deputy Christine Milne has been unanimously endorsed by the Greens party room as their leader after Senator Brown retired from the position yesterday.
Flanked by his parliamentary team and partner, Paul Thomas, Senator Brown told reporters in Canberra it's time for the party to renew itself.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard says the resignation won't impact on the Labor and the Greens minority government, while Opposition Leader Tony Abbott predicts turbulent times ahead for the Greens now that Senator Brown is quitting.
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Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome says the senator has been an important role model, while Greenpeace spokesman Ben Pearson says Senator Brown will be remembered for his efforts to protect Australia's natural heritage.
