Independent Tasmanian Senator Tammy Tyrrell has officially aligned herself with the Labor Party, calling the transition a “natural fit” for her political career.
Tyrrell has been a fixture on the crossbench for over two years, having stepped away from the Jacqui Lambie Network in 2024.
Her political journey in the upper house began in 2022, following her tenure as the office manager for Senator Jacqui Lambie.
In a conversation with reporters on Thursday, Tyrrell stood firm on her decision to join Labor, showing no regret for her change in allegiance.
“I’m not going to apologise to anybody for joining Labor. It’s a good fit,” she asserted.
“I’ve supported Labor very regularly over the last four years, but I’ve also pushed back on things for Tasmania,” she added. “I will still do that.”
Her move will boost Labor’s numbers in the Senate to 30, but the government will still require the support of the Coalition or Greens to pass legislation in the upper house.
“I want to have a seat at the table where I can make the most change and bring back good stuff to Tasmania,” she said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, standing next to Tyrrell, labelled her a “good faith negotiator” who has been a strong advocate for Tasmanians.
“She’s been an advocate about cost of living pressures facing Tasmanians, and she’s someone who has spent her life helping others. People across Tasmania know her as a fighter,” he said.
“She’s someone who’s warm, genuinely funny and compassionate. She also never gives up on people.”
It is the second time the Albanese government has poached a senator, with Western Australian senator Dorinda Cox defecting from the Greens last year.
Asked about potential criticism from voters over her decision, Tyrrell maintained that she could do the job she was elected to do as a Labor member.
“There are people who are not going to like what I’ve done, but the people who elect me are always going to get value for money, respect and the best outcome,” she said.
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