Bob Brown

Robert James "Bob" Brown (1944 - ) is a medical doctor and environmentalist who is a former Senator and Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Greens. He helped form the first group of Greens senators following the 1996 federal election. He was re-elected in 2001 and in 2007. He was the first openly gay member of the Parliament, and of an Australian political party. Brown led the party from the its foundation in 1992 until 2012, by which time they gained up to 13.9% of the primary vote. From 2002 to 2004, when minor parties held the balance of power in the Senate, Brown became well-recognised and sometimes contentious. In 2003, he generated international interest when he was suspended from the parliament for interjecting during an address by US president George W. Bush. His leadership stems from his personal convictions, courage, everyday style and congruence.

The future will either be green or not at all.