AMONG THE hardened political hacks of the Canberra press gallery there’s speculation about which politician looks best with his shirt off. The leading contender is Cory Bernardi – the right wing, fundamentalist Christian who opposes marriage equality because he believes it will lead to bestiality. The hot, young challenger, however, is Australia’s latest openly gay senator, Robert Simms of the Greens.
At 31, Simms has found himself unexpectedly in Federal Parliament following the resignation of South Australian Penny Wright. “It’s a great privilege, but also unexpected,” says Simms, a qualified lawyer with a degree in journalism, and the Greens Sexuality Spokesperson.