Profile
The contribution of Bob Day to the Australian community extends far beyond his former business interests and parliamentary roles. His strong interest in local communities, youth employment, housing, urban planning, personal freedoms, federalism, and workplace relations has been reflected in a wide range of appointments including:
- National President of the Housing Industry Association
- Founder and Inaugural President of Independent Contractors of Australia
- Director of The Centre for Independent Studies
- Chairman of North East Vocational College
On Australia Day 2003 Bob was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for service to the housing industry, to social welfare – particularly housing the homeless – and to the community. Later that same year he was awarded the Centenary of Federation medal for service to housing and charity.
A qualified Science Technician with the SA Highways Department, Bob left the public service in 1975 to start a plumbing and housing business. Over the ensuing 40 years Bob grew the company into a successful national housing group until 2016 when an ill-fated acquisition brought about the demise of the company and he filed for bankruptcy.
In 2008, Bob was elected Federal Chairman of the Family First Party and in 2013 was elected as a Senator representing the State of South Australia in the Federal Parliament.
In July 2016 he was re-elected as a Senator for South Australia but resigned shortly after following the collapse of his company. His 2016 election was subsequently overturned following a High Court ruling that arrangements over his electorate office had breached the constitution. [See High Court Ruling]
In October 2020, Bob launched the Australian Family Party.