“At our meeting today I received a unanimous vote of support,” said Ms Russell.

“While I have stood for the Greens in many elections since 1995, this is the first time where The Greens have an outside chance of winning.

“The Greens won the Federal by-election of Cunningham in 2002. In situations where there is no sitting member, the result often comes down to preferences.

“The results will depend on whether the ALP fields a candidate and whether a sitting State MP with a high profile and significant resources throw their hat or hats into the ring.

“In the meantime The Greens are the first to announce a candidate.

“We will be campaigning hard because this is a very important vote for the people of this area. Sixteen years of representation by the National Party has seen the biggest issue facing us all, climate change, ignored until a brief attempt at trying to be seen to do something just before the last election.

“The voters of Lyne can safely risk sending a Green voice to Canberra. Voting Green this time won’t change the Government or see the National-Liberal Party seriously disadvantaged. But it will make the nation take notice.

“The 78% of people who want more action on climate change can make that happen by giving The Greens a go. It’s the kind of shock the major parties need,” Ms Russell said.