New Tassie MPs take their seats in federal parliament
‘Excitement, gratitude and a sense of responsibility’: Tasmania’s newest federal MPs have been sworn in during a day of ceremony and tradition to mark the first sitting of Australia’s 48th parliament in Canberra.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Tasmania’s newest federal MPs have been sworn in during a day of ceremony and tradition to mark the first sitting of Australia’s 48th parliament in Canberra.
Federal parliament returned on Tuesday, signalling the formal return of the Albanese Labor government.
Labor won 94 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives, including four from Tasmania, at the May federal election.
Long-serving Labor member for Franklin Julie Collins was joined by the new member for Lyons Rebecca White, the new member for Bass Jess Teesdale, and senator turned member for Braddon Anne Urquhart. The seat of Clark re-elected independent Andrew Wilkie.
And Tasmania’s newest Labor Senators Richard Dowling and Joshua Delega joined the upper house.
Ms White, who was formerly a member of state parliament and opposition leader, said she would do her best to represent our community with integrity and hard work each and every day.”
“It is a great honour to be sworn in to the federal parliament today,” she said.
“I’m incredibly and sincerely grateful to all the people who supported and encouraged me to take this step and to stand for the federal electorate of Lyons.
“I will be doing everything I can to justify the trust you have placed in me.
“Today isn’t about me though: it is about the people of Lyons who I represent and the people of Australia who I serve.
“I’m thrilled to be part of a federal Labor government that has a clear plan for our country and our state. It’s a plan that will strengthen Medicare, cut student debt, and provide tax cuts for all workers.
“This may have been the official start of federal parliament, but my team and I have already been hard at work these last couple of months, getting on with the job and helping our community from the offices in Perth and Bridgewater.”
Ms White’s Labor predecessor in Lyons Brian Mitchell looks set to take a seat in state parliament, after Saturday’s election, as do the vanquished federal Liberal members in Braddon and Bass, Gavin Pearce and Bridget Archer.
The new member for Bass Jess Teesdale said Tuesday was a big day.
“Today I feel a mix of excitement, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility. I’ll be carrying the hopes of my community into that chamber, and I don’t take that lightly.
“I want to make sure every person in Bass feels like they can walk into my office and know that someone will listen.
“That’s the first goal. Connection, dignity, and practical support. More broadly, I aim to share the stories of regional communities, particularly those who are often overlooked or told to wait their turn.
“I’m here to ensure that people in Bass not only get heard but also achieve outcomes. “Whether that’s in health care, education, mental health, or housing, I see the role of an MP as a connector, not a performer. And that’s how I plan to serve.”
And member for Braddon Anne Urquhart said she was looking forward to “bringing Braddon to Canberra and Canberra to Braddon”.
Labor achieved its best result in a decade with 36.6 per cent of the primary vote at the May federal election, with the Liberals taking 24.5 per cent.
That outcome was reversed at Saturday’s state election, with the Liberals on 39.8 per cent and Labor on 25.8 per cent — the party’s lowest result in state electoral history.
Originally published as New Tassie MPs take their seats in federal parliament
First look: The Kingborough Twin Ovals masterplan
Kingborough Council has unveiled its masterplan for Twin Ovals sporting precinct which will become home to the Tasmania Devils and JackJumpers. Get your first look and see how you can get involved.
Premier extends stability offer to likely crossbench MPs
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has presented those likely to form the crossbench in Tasmania’s next parliament with a “draft stability agreement” intended to shore up the Liberal’s grip on the leadership reins.