Suit and tie change of scene for new MP

TASMANIA’S newest MP will take his seat in the Legislative Council next Tuesday, but has joked he has to shop for new work clothes first.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission formally declared Dean Harriss elected as the MLC for Huon in a ceremony at Parliament House on Wednesday morning.

Mr Harriss said the plush red carpet of the Legislative Council chamber would be a change from working on a building site.

“I’ve got to rush off and get a suit because my high-vis and work shorts probably aren’t dress code,” he said.

He won from a field of five ahead of Labor’s Toby Thorpe in a close count concluded on Tuesday.

Mr Harriss was joined by his family at the short ceremony, which was also attended by upper house MPs and Liberal candidate Aldo Antolli.

The new member paid tribute to the support of his wife and father, former MP Paul Harriss, and said he was looking forward to starting his role.

“I appreciate and respect the privilege it is to represent the people of Huon and the people of Tasmania,” he said.

Paul Harriss said he stood ready to provide his son with advice gleaned from his own long political experience, but “he hasn’t asked yet”.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said he rang Mr Harriss on Tuesday night to congratulate him on his win.

Mr Harriss’ election means the Legislative Council contains seven independent members, four Liberals and four Labor, but Mr Rockliff said this did not mean it would necessarily be easier for the government to pass legislation.

“I also said to him that I respect the role of an independent member of the upper house and as the house of review, and we will work with all members of the upper house, irrespective of their colour in terms of bringing forward legislation to the lower house and house of review, the Legislative Council,” Mr Rockliff said.

“So, irrespective if you’re a Labor member, a Liberal member, an independent member of the upper house, we will engage in constructive dialogue around our agenda and legislation that comes forward.”

Parliament resumes sittings on Tuesday for budget week.