The Vic Greens lead senate candidate for the next federal election has been selected: congratulations Richard di Natale

The preselection process went smoothly and there was a positive feel about the whole process. The 7 candidates were all terrific and one thing became very clear as we travelled around to various locations to "meet the grass root members of the Party": it really did not matter which one of us ended up preselected because all 7 of us were competent and good!

 

And in the end, Richard won the vote and is our lead senate candidate. He is a terrific guy. He will make a fantastic contribution to the Senate. Richard has had years of experience helping some of the most needy members of society. Whether it is doing AIDS awareness projects in 3rd world countries, or whether it is helping as a medical doctor in the Northern Territory working with Indigenous Australians... Richard has a heart of gold. And a sharp mind. And insightful ideas. And he is a great communicator. He will make a top quality Senator.

 

Here is the official Pary news release:

 

Dr Richard Di Natale is set to be the first Greens Senator for Victoria. 

A ballot of all Victorian Greens members has preselected Dr Di Natale to lead the Greens campaign to win an historic Victorian seat in the Australian Senate.

Winning a Victorian Senate seat would see Dr Di Natale joining a Greens senate team which could hold the balance of power in their own right.

The spectacular win by Greens candidate Adele Carles in Fremantle, WA demonstrates the increasing influence of the Greens in Australian politics.  If elected Richard would join 26 other Greens in Australian parliaments and over 100 local government Councillors. 

“Green parliamentarians are capable and honest. Voters are increasingly turning to us as the old parties let them down" said Dr Di Natale at the announcement of his preselection.

 

“I look forward to joining the strong and respected Senate team of Bob Brown, Christine Milne, Rachel Siewert, Scott Ludlum and Sarah Hanson-Young.” 

“Thanks to these Greens Senators the stimulus package contained initiatives to create thousands of green jobs in communities across Australia, and provided greater financial assistance and support for unemployed and low-income Australians."

 

Announcing the preselection of Dr Di Natale, Sue Plowright, Convenor of the Australian Greens Victoria, said that the postal ballot of all Victorian Greens members demonstrates the party’s strong commitment to grassroots democracy.