2016-06-08
Greens Senator for SA Robert Simms has challenged conservative Family First Senator Bob Day to a debate ahead of the July 2 election following the launch of the website www.robnotbob.com.
"The final senate seat in South Australia is likely to come down to myself or Bob Day, and the choice couldn't be starker. The climate change denying, homophobia of the Family First party versus the progressive, forward-looking agenda of the Greens," Senator Simms said.
"I've written to Senator Day today to challenge him to a debate, to allow the electorate to question us both on equal footing on what we can bring to the senate in SA.
"Returning two Greens to the senate could mean the difference between making marriage equality a reality or not, or between boosting investment in renewable energy, and not.
"Just this morning, Senator Day told ABC radio he would like to shut down the federal departments of health and education. How this radical plan would be in the interest of families is beyond me. Senator Day could not be more out of touch."
Senator Simms has been a passionate defender of South Australia, campaigning against BP's plans to drill in the Bight, standing up for Whyalla steel workers, Solar Thermal in Port Augusta and green car manufacturing. He is the Greens spokesperson for sexuality and marriage equality, higher education and water and the Murray-Darling basin.