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.

Launceston-based Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson makes the following comment on the Malcolm Turnbull visit to Launceston today.

Senator Whish-Wilson said, “There was more money invested in Tasmania in the stage-management of a press event than there was in actual funding announcements for the Tasmanian community.

The Australian Greens have welcomed the election being called today, saying Australians deserve better than the double-disappointment they're getting from the Liberal-National Coalition and Labor.

"Global warming, the unprecedented number of people seeking asylum around the world, inequality, transforming our economy: these are the challenges of our time and it's the Greens who are providing leadership," said Australian Greens Leader Richard Di Natale.

Greens Senator for Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson, says that last night’s Federal Budget is an admission of failure by the Liberals to deliver for Tasmania's economy.

“First the Government wound up their $6.5 million employment incentive aimed at attracting 2000 jobs; it ending up employing just 160 people.

The Australian Greens are deeply saddened by the death of our colleague and friend John Kaye.

Our hearts go out to his partner, Lynne, and his family at this time of deep loss.

It was only three months ago that John stepped back from his duties in the NSW Parliament to undergo treatment for his aggressive illness.