Shorten lauds Milne's conviction

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has congratulated outgoing Greens leader Christine Milne for a distinguished career in Australian politics.

Senator Milne announced her resignation as leader of the party on Wednesday morning and plans not to contest the next election.

"I haven't always agreed with every policy she's had ... but I can certainly respect the conviction and the passion with which she has advanced her issues," Mr Shorten said in Brisbane.