Bob Brown
Bob Brown – Life, Career, and Legacy of an Australian Green Leader
Discover the life of Bob Brown: Australian medical doctor turned environmentalist-politician, his journey in Tasmania and federal politics, leadership of the Greens, activism, and enduring legacy.
Introduction
Robert James “Bob” Brown (born 27 December 1944) is an Australian medical doctor, environmentalist, and former politician. He is best known as a long-serving senator for Tasmania and as the parliamentary leader of the Australian Greens from 2005 to 2012. Under his stewardship, the Greens moved from the margins toward greater national influence, especially on environmental, social justice, and human rights issues. Brown is also celebrated for his activism and founding of conservation organizations that continue to shape Australia’s environmental future.
Early Life and Education
Bob Brown was born as one of twins on 27 December 1944 in Oberon, New South Wales.
He attended small rural schools, including Trunkey Public School. Coffs Harbour High School and later Blacktown Boys High School in New South Wales.
Brown then went to the University of Sydney, where he studied medicine and obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree (MBBS).
From Medicine to Environmental Activism
After graduation, Brown worked in medical roles in Australia and abroad. London, including working in hospitals such as St Mary Abbots and Hounslow Cottage Hospital.
In 1972, Brown relocated to Tasmania and practiced as a general practitioner in Launceston.
He also became active in early environmental-political movements; he was among those associated with the United Tasmania Group, Australia's first “green” political party, in the early 1970s.
Entry into Tasmanian Politics
In the late 1970s, Brown’s activism escalated. He served as director of the Tasmanian Wilderness Society. Franklin Dam hydroelectric scheme, which would have flooded significant wilderness. Brown was arrested during the protests and spent 19 days in Hobart’s Risdon Prison for civil disobedience.
On his release, in 1983, Brown entered the Tasmanian House of Assembly, filling a vacancy for the seat of Denison.
In 1989, proportional representation in Tasmania allowed Green independents (led by Brown) to win seats. Brown supported a minority Labor government via certain accords, though disagreements over forestry issues led to the break in 1992. 1993 and unsuccessfully ran for the federal House of Representatives.
Federal Senate & Leadership of the Greens
Senator for Tasmania
In 1996, Bob Brown was elected to the Australian Senate, representing Tasmania, on the Greens ticket. Dee Margetts (Western Australia) formed the first group of Australian Greens senators following that election.
He was re-elected in 2001 and 2007.
During his Senate service, Brown held various spokesperson roles: Prime Minister & Cabinet; Treasury; Foreign Affairs, Defence & National Security; Schools & Education; Forests (Tasmania); Whaling & Antarctica.
Leadership of the Australian Greens
He became the Federal Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Greens on 28 November 2005.
Under his leadership, the Greens grew in national visibility, poll support, and legislative influence. 2003, he and Senator Kerry Nettle interjected during a speech by U.S. President George W. Bush, resulting in their suspension from Parliament.
Among key battles, Brown pushed for forest protection, climate change action, blocking nuclear waste dumps, and opposing Australia’s involvement in the invasion of Iraq. Wielangta forest, citing threats to endangered species; initial rulings favoured Brown, though appeals and subsequent changes to agreements complicated outcomes.
Facing a $240,000 legal costs order tied to that case, Brown risked bankruptcy and losing his Senate seat. Supporters and donors rallied, and external contributions (including from businessman Dick Smith) helped cover the costs.
On 13 April 2012, Brown announced his resignation as Greens leader; he formally left the Senate on 15 June 2012.
Later Years, Activism & Foundations
After retiring from federal politics, Brown continued his environmental and social advocacy.
He founded the Bob Brown Foundation (with his long-time partner Paul Thomas) to promote environmental campaigns and green causes in Australia and the region.
Brown was also the founder (in 1990) of Bush Heritage Australia (formerly Australian Bush Heritage Fund), a nonprofit dedicated to acquiring and preserving Australian bushland. He served as its president until 1996.
He has also engaged in direct activism: after his Senate career, Brown served as director of the Australian chapter of Sea Shepherd, a marine conservation organization (stepping down in 2014).
In 2016, he was arrested for refusing to leave protest sites (e.g. Lapoinya Forest) where logging actions were underway; the charges were dropped later, and in 2017, the High Court ruled relevant protest laws unconstitutional as conflicting with freedom of political communication.
Brown also led protests against proposed coal mines (e.g. Carmichael) and voiced opposition to certain wind farm developments when bird habitat concerns were raised.
Personality, Values & Identity
Bob Brown is known for his sincerity, passion, and consistency. His political approach blended principled activism with parliamentary engagement. He is also notable for being the first openly gay member of the Australian Parliament and the first openly gay leader of an Australian political party.
Brown describes himself as a “lapsed Presbyterian.”
Beyond politics, Brown engages in photography, poetry, bushwalking, and writing. Memo for a Saner World (2004), Optimism: Reflections on a Life of Action (2014), and others.
Famous Quotes by Bob Brown
Here are a few notable quotations that reflect his convictions:
“Coal exports are the energy industry’s heroin habit.”
— On his view that coal exploitation must be phased out.
“In my first speech in the Senate, I raised the threat posed by climate change … Government and opposition members laughed at my warning of sea level rises; it took decades for them to begin to acknowledge those risks.”
— Reflecting on foresight about climate policy.
“If we lived in (name your country …) the police could come and take us all away.”
— A pointed remark about civil liberties and political repression.
These quotes showcase Brown’s passion for environment, justice, and political integrity.
Lessons from Bob Brown’s Journey
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From profession to purpose
Brown’s shift from medical doctor to environmental advocate shows how expertise in one domain can empower greater influence in another. -
Principle and pragmatism
He combined grassroots activism with parliamentarian strategy, bridging public protest and legislation to effect change. -
Leadership by example
Being open about his identity, legal costs, and even personal finances earned him authenticity and respect. -
Persistence matters
Many causes he championed (forest protection, climate policy) were slow to gain traction — yet he stayed engaged over decades. -
Institution building
Through the Greens, Bush Heritage Australia, and his foundation, Brown created organizations that outlast individual effort and sustain long-term impact.
Conclusion
Bob Brown remains a defining figure in modern Australian politics and environmentalism. He helped carry the Green movement from fringe activism into parliamentary relevance, advocated bold positions on climate, forests, and human rights, and continues to embody a life of discipline, purpose, and civic courage.