SA Greens leader takes tilt at federal arena
On the back of leading intense opposition to park lands redevelopments, the SA Greens Leader is today announcing he is taking his battle to Canberra.
South Australian Greens leader Robert Simms today announced he was throwing his hat in the ring for preselection for a vacancy at the top of the party’s local Federal Senate ticket.
Simms – who filled a Greens casual vacancy in the Federal Senate in 2015 for nine months following the resignation of Penny Wright – has served in the SA Parliament as a Member of the Legislative Council since 2021.
Today, Simms said he would put his hand up for preselection for the Federal Senate following Senator Barbara Pocock’s announcement in August that she would not be contesting a second term in the 2028 federal election.
Pocock, an economist and Emeritus Professor, said the decision was prompted by personal reasons, following her partner’s brain cancer diagnosis. She will see out the remaining term.
Speaking on ABC Radio, Simms said he would be one of the candidates in the running for preselection – a process whereby SA Greens members vote on who they want to represent the party on the ballot. A vote was expected in late November.
“I’ve formed the view that at this time for the Greens and for our country we need strong and experienced voices in Canberra, and I think I’ve got a lot to contribute to national politics,” said Simms, also a former councillor in the City of Adelaide.
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“I see this as being an opportunity for me to advance the issues I’m working on in state parliament at the national stage.
“I’ve been active on housing policy for some time, pushing for a fair go for renters – a rent freeze – but of course more investment in public housing. I want to get more action on that in Canberra.”
Simms said he wanted to use the Federal platform to advocate for public transport – particularly a rail line to the Hills – and further protection for the Adelaide Park Lands.
“There is inadequate protection for our park lands, and I want to see World Heritage Listing get a focus,” he said.
“And, of course, LGBTI rights, they’re coming under attack more than ever before and we need strong LGBTI voices in parliament as well who can take that up.”
He added that he wanted to take the fight to One Nation federally, saying the party was “focused on the politics of self-interest”.
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“They’re focused on the politics of blame and diversion. They don’t want to talk about the economic challenges that are facing our country.”
If unsuccessful, Simms said he would continue to work in the South Australian parliament and would support the Federal Greens team.
While other candidates will likely emerge in the coming months, SA Greens Secretary Isaac Astill has already announced he would be in the running for the top ticket spot.
Adelaide-based Astill is a self-described climate activist and last week said he was nominating to be the next Greens Senator for SA.
“It’s time for the Greens to be bold. I will bring fresh ideas to Canberra,” he told InDaily.
“We need politicians with proven experience in movement building, so we can grow the Greens vote with new communities. For over 15 years, I’ve built national movements, including within the Greens, Stop Adani, and School Strike 4 Climate.
“As a climate change campaigner, I’ve fought and won against the coal and gas industry. I’m a proud recipient of the Bob Brown Young Environmentalist of the Year.
“I’ve been a renter my entire life. Rents are rising at record rates. I have friends that are drowning in mortgage debt. I would fight to ensure that everyone can afford a home.”
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