Tasmanian independent Senator Tammy Tyrell has announced she will join the Labor Party, delivering a significant boost to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's numbers in the Senate.
Tyrell, who was elected under the Jacqui Lambie Network in 2022, left the party in 2024 to sit on the crossbench as an independent. Her decision to join Labor strengthens the government's position in the upper house, taking its tally to 30 of 76 seats and improving its ability to pass legislation.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Tyrell said the move would allow her to better advocate for her state. 'As a Senator for Tasmania, I want to have a seat at the table where I can make the most change and bring back good outcomes to Tasmanians,' she said.
She defended the decision, stating it reflects where she can be most effective, and made clear she would not apologise to voters or critics. 'I'm not going to apologise to anybody for coming over. It's a good fit. I've supported Labor regularly over the last four years, but I've also pushed back when something important for Tasmania needed it,' she added.
