ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury has announced he will retire from politics, ending a 17-year career in the Legislative Assembly.

In a statement, Mr Rattenbury said he was “deeply grateful” for the opportunity to serve the Canberra community since his election in 2008.

“I have given my all to this role and now it is time to think about the next phase of my life,” he said.

Mr Rattenbury has been a central figure in ACT politics for nearly two decades, with the Greens holding the balance of power throughout his time in the Assembly.

He served as a minister for 12 years across multiple portfolios, including climate, energy, justice and mental health, and was Australia’s first Greens attorney-general. He also made history as the first Greens speaker of a parliament anywhere in the world.

His tenure saw significant policy reforms, including the ACT’s transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity, the introduction of light rail, raising the age of criminal responsibility to 14, and reforms to renters’ rights.

Mr Rattenbury said the Greens had used their position in minority governments to “make real change”, pointing to climate action, justice reform and social policy as key achievements.

“The ACT is now recognised as a global leader on climate action,” he said.

First elected as a member for Molonglo in 2008, Mr Rattenbury has since represented Kurrajong and was re-elected for a fifth term in 2024.

He said environmental and social justice would remain a focus in his next chapter.

Former federal Greens leader Bob Brown said Mr Rattenbury was a “Green gold”.

“Shane has given the ACT and Greens politics two decades of exemplary political representation,”  Mr Brown said.

Liberal Opposition Leader Mark Parton acknowledged Mr Rattenbury’s retirement.

“Mr Rattenbury has been a significant figure in ACT politics for many years, and while we have not always agreed, we recognise his commitment to the issues he has championed and his contribution to public debate,” he said.

The ACT Greens are yet to announce leadership succession arrangements.