20 questions for Senator Simms

Robert Simms is the first out gay man to represent SA in the Federal Parliament and is now the Australian Greens' spokesperson for Higher Education, LGBTI and Marriage Equality, and Water and the Murray Darling Basin.  

His belief in the power of politics to change lives for the better first inspired him to become politically active at University. As State Education Officer for the National Union of Students, he coordinated the state-wide response to the Howard Government's deregulation of university fees. Later, as Flinders' University's Student  Council President, he led the fight against further attacks to student services and representation on his campus.

Since then he has spent his working life fighting for the environment and social justice. He worked in the community sector as a policy advocate and was an adviser for two Green Senators — Sarah Hanson-Young and Scott Ludlam. He also worked as a casual academic and was a progressive social commentator. 

In 2014 he was elected to Adelaide City Council and was a strong voice for progressive issues, promoting: greener streets, better cycling infrastructure, ethical investment and improved access for people with disabilities.

Robert holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in sociology and politics) and a Graduate Certificate in Journalism. In 2008 he was admitted to the Supreme Court as a Barrister and Solicitor.   

20 QUESTIONS

Name: Robert Simms
Age: 31
Role with the Greens: Greens Senator for South Australia 

1. What do you remember about your first election?
   
   I was excited about being able to vote.
   
   
2. Leadbeater's possum or eastern longneck turtles?
   
   I am more of a turtle kind of guy.
   
   
3. What's your precious place and why?
   
   I really love Horseshoe Bay. I used to go there as a kid for holidays. The beaches are sublime.
   
   
4. Favourite Greens policy?
   
   Ending mandatory detention.
   
   
5. Best part of your work with the Greens?
   
   I actually really enjoy working with Green members and supporters. They are such a passionate group of people.
   
   
6. What keeps you going?
   
   Coffee.
   
   
7. Favourite political song?
   
   Billy Bragg, "There is Power in a Union".
   
   
8. Who inspires you? Why?
   
   Harvey Milk. He was an amazing activist and a great pioneer for LGBTI rights. He also saw the rights of gay and lesbian people as part of a struggle of something much broader.
   
   
9. Comfort food?
   
   Chocolate.
   
   
10. What would you spend $20 billion on?
    
    Double the investment in our higher education system (to begin with) and increase youth allowance.
    
    
11. Secret vice?
    
    Watching Teen Wolf on Netflix.
    
    
12. Best coffee/drink in town?
    
    Coffee branch opposite my new office on Leigh Street.
    
    
13. Three apps you can't live without?
    
    iTunes, WhatsApp and the ABC app.
    
    
14. What did you want to be when you grew up?
    
    A fireman.
    
    
15. Morning run or night time swim?
    
    Neither — I am more of an afternoon weights kinda guy.
    
    
16. What's your greatest hope for the future?
    
    Collectively, we leave the planet in a better state than where it is at the moment.
    
    
17. Magic wand to solve one world problem — what would it be?
    
    Free people from poverty.
    
    
18. What advice would you give a new volunteer?
    
    Never lose the big picture and recognise the work you are doing is part of a much bigger project.
    
    
19. You can travel through time – where do you go?
    
    I am a future man — to meet the first Green PM.
    
    
20. If you weren't doing this for a living, what would you be doing?
    
    Probably doing what I was doing before — working at uni and trying to finish my PHD.

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