Newest Senators face short terms
TASMANIA’S two new senators were sworn in when the Senate resumed sitting early yesterday.
Former federal minister Richard Colbeck replaced former Senate president Stephen Parry, while Devonport Mayor Steve Martin replaced Jacqui Lambie.
Senators Parry and Lambie resigned last year because they were dual citizens. Senator Martin was expelled from the Jacqui Lambie Network last week after refusing to give up his place to allow Ms Lambie to return via a casual vacancy.
Senator Colbeck told ABC radio that it had been a surreal experience to go back to the Senate after an eight-month absence after losing his place at the 2016 election.
Senator Martin said: “It was great to finally be sworn in and now able to get on with the job in working for Tasmania.”
It is expected the issue of the length of terms for the two new senators will be sorted out in the near future after the Senate resolved to write to the High Court about figures from the Australian Electoral Commission recount.
It is understood a recount of votes, with former senators Parry and Lambie excluded, found that Senators Martin and Colbeck were not among the first six Senators elected by Tasmanians at the 2016 double dissolution election, meaning they were likely to serve a term of three years.
Senator Colbeck last week said he would not take issue with a three-year term. But Senator Martin said that he would seek clarification from the Solicitor-General about whether the issue was settled by the Senate or other means.
It is understood the recount resulted in Liberal Senators Jonathon Duniam and David Bushby improving their position in the order of senators elected and they would, as a result, receive six-year terms.
A three-year term for Senator Martin could mean he would have to battle fellow North-West Coast candidates Jacqui Lambie and Senator Colbeck at the half Senate election due by July next year unless he joined a party. Senator Martin said he would meet Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull this week but would sit as an independent.
Labor Senator Anne Urquhart said the Senate had not yet looked at term lengths and former senator Sky Kakoschke-Moore’s case was still before the High Court.
“Once all senators are sworn in, it will be up to all senators to decide term lengths, as it was after the 2016 election,” she said. “On a personal note, I’ve been in touch with new Senator Martin and I very much look forward to welcoming him to Canberra.”