Sarah Hanson-Young beats Robert Simms in preselection fight for Greens’ top spot

A HANDFUL of votes has saved Sarah Hanson-Young from certain defeat at the next election as she holds to the top spot on the Greens’ South Australian senate ticket.

• Major “Moogy” Sumner to contest Mayo by-election

A HANDFUL of votes has saved Sarah Hanson-Young from certain defeat at the next election as she clings to the top spot on the Greens’ South Australian Senate ticket.

Senator Hanson-Young said she was delighted with the result that would ensure her place in parliament if the Greens win an SA Senate seat at the next Federal Election.

But the preselection challenge has revealed a bitter split down the centre of the party, with Senator Hanson-Young only recording a slim victory over former Senator Robert Simms — 252 votes to 226.

She now faces a tough battle to win back her seat at the next election after the Greens vote dropped from 7.09 per cent of first preferences in 2013 to 5.87 per cent in 2016.

“I am determined to win our seat and to run a strong campaign, starting off with an exciting opportunity in the Mayo by-election,” she said.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young with Australian Greens Leader Richard Di Natale Robert Simms at the Adelaide Central Market. Photo Sam Wundke

“Together, the Greens team and the SA community will fight to protect our environment, to care for people and to support our local artists and creators.

“We will fight to save the Murray, to stop drilling in the Great Australian Bight, to take action on climate change and increase our investment in renewable energy.

“The Greens are the strongest voice for public services over tax cuts for the wealthy, corporations and the big banks.

“We will fight hard for those struggling below the poverty line, campaign against inequality and for a raise to Newstart, and access to education and training.”

Until the 2016 double dissolution election the Greens held two Senate seats in SA but a drop in support saw Mr Simms — who was second on the ticket that year after another close preselection battle — exit the Federal Parliament.

Mr Simms congratulated Senator Hanson-Young on her preselection and thanked the members who had supported him.

“I look forward to working with the party members and volunteers to ensure we win our vital (South Australian) Senate seat at the next election,” he said.