The Australian Greens have formally launched their 2016 campaign with the entire federal Greens party room, former party leaders Bob Brown and Christine Milne, and hundreds of supporters in Melbourne.

"I am so proud to lead this party that has the courage and vision to stand up for what matters," said Greens Leader Richard Di Natale.

"Our 2016 federal election campaign is focused on protecting the climate that sustains our health, our environment and our economy, tackling inequality and charting a better way to deal with today's record levels of global displacement.

This edition of Simms in the Senate covers Senator Robert Simms' recent work on promoting green jobs for SA, protecting the Great Australian Bight, standing with the community against a nuclear waste dump in regional SA, phasing out live animal export, and the latest campaign news on marriage equality, Safe Schools, tertiary education, and more.

Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon and Greens candidate for Paterson John Brown have commented on Defence Minister’s visit to Williamtown yesterday. 

Senator Rhiannon said, “Almost three hundred days after Williamtown residents and workers had their lives turned upside down by the RAAF contamination crisis, Minister Payne decided to front up to them at Williamtown. 

“It is very hard not to see this as a cynical box-ticking exercise eleven days out from the election. 

With the vote expected in the Upper House this week on the NSW Steel Procurement Bill, it is time all parliaments, State and Federal around the country enacted steel procurement policies. It is not enough to see one-off site specific rescue packages. 

NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon has wished her dear friend and Greens candidate for Cowper Carol Vernon a speedy recovery to good health.

"It is with concern and sadness that we announce that our Greens candidate for Cowper Carol Vernon will have surgery on Tuesday 21 June," said Senator Rhiannon.

"I am really pleased that Carol will remain as the Greens candidate for Cowper in this election as her prognosis is positive.

"Carol's hard work, depth of understanding of Greens policies and organising abilities have been real assets to grassroots democracy.

Greens Leader Richard Di Natale is marking the Queen's Birthday by setting out a 5-step path to allowing Australians to serve as our own heads of state.

"We are a mature, independent, confident nation and it's time to stand on our own two feet " Senator Di Natale said.

"It's on days like today that many Australians remember the failed republic referendum of 1999. The Greens have a clear plan to ensure history doesn't repeat itself.

I am devastated to hear of the horrific news of another violent and senseless shooting in the United States.

Our hearts are with the people of Florida and the LGBTI community.

I extend my deepest condolences for the families and loved ones of those tragically killed or injured.

Violence and hate have no place in our communities and now more than ever we must stand together against these hateful acts.

Richard Di Natale
Leader of the Australian Greens

Australian Greens Leader Senator Richard Di Natale and Greens Treasury Spokesperson Adam Bandt MP expressed strong disappointment at the savings measures announced today by the Labor party.

At a meeting with Williamtown residents today Greens NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon and Greens Paterson candidate John Brown called for the Red Zone to be redrawn in light of new international contamination standards and for the NSW Environment Protection Authority to investigate and prosecute the environmental crimes occurring at the Williamtown RAAF Base.