Bob Brown

The Greens almost doubled their vote in the 2001 federal election since they were the only real opposition on the issue of the Howard Government's inhumane treatment of refugees. Hence for the first time Bob Brown was elected on first-preference votes alone, although he remains the only Green in Federal Parliament. He has been leader of the party since its formation in 1992.

Brown is a homosexual and has spent much of his life trying to come to terms with this. In the 1970s went so far as to commit himself for electroshock therapy in the hope that he could be cured. He now accepts his sexuality. It is a testament to his commitment to changing the world for the better that he should have managed to become so popular in a State where until a few years ago practicing homosexuality was actually illegal!

Brown has been arrested several times at rallies and demonstarations, most recently for shouting "Free Tibet" at Chinese Premier Li Peng (whom many hold responsible for the Tiananmen Square Massacre) as he exited the Canberra Theatre in September of 2002.¹ He lives on a large farm in Southern Tasmania and his website can be found at http://www.greens.org.au/bobbrown/

Following the Democrats' treacherous actions in passing the Goods and Services Tax through the Senate, Brown's Greens are the only remaining leftist alternative national party.