WA Senate recount requested

Australian Greens Leader Senator Christine Milne said today that Western Australians stand to lose an intelligent and passionate environmental and social justice advocate in Scott Ludlam if the current Senate result stands.

The results show the count was knife-edge, with only 14 votes difference at a crucial choke point in the distribution of preferences. The Greens have lodged a request with the Australian Electoral Commission for a recount.

"The entire Party Room is devastated at the thought of Scott leaving the Senate next year," Senator Milne said.

"It would be particularly hard given how close the result was.

"It is such bad news that Scott may be unable to continue his work in the Senate after July 2014, but I know he will continue on campaigning for a more sustainable WA, to protect our rights online and to address the housing affordability crisis.

"Scott is widely respected in the Parliament and in the community for his passion, his wealth of knowledge and his calm and reasoned demeanour. And I know between now and when the Senate changes over Scott will be fiercely advocating for digital rights, keeping uranium in the ground, keeping the carbon price and getting big solar up and running in WA.

"In or out of the Senate, Scott Ludlam will work with the Greens to connect with voters and stand against the excesses of Tony Abbott."