Robert Simms was endorsed by the South Australian Parliament in September 2015 as a senator for South Australia. He is the first out gay man to represent SA in the federal parliament, where he was the Australian Greens' spokesperson for Higher Education; Sexuality and Marriage Equality; and Water and the Murray Darling Basin.
Robert's 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's 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. In 2014, he was elected to Adelaide City Council and was a strong voice for progressive values, promoting greener streets, better cycling infrastructure, ethical investment and improved access for people with disabilities.
Robert's term finished following the 2016 election. In 2021, Robert entered the Legislative Council in South Australian Parliament. Read more about his current work here.
