Jim Molan completes political comeback

The Liberal senator has officially returned to parliament, sworn in to the upper house.

Jim Molan is sworn in as a Senator for NSW. Picture: Kym Smith

Liberal senator Jim Molan says he will be a team player in his second stint in parliament, after he was sworn into the upper house to replace Arthur Sinodinos who will become Australia’s ambassador in Washington.

The former major general told The Australian it was “fascinating to be back” after he was escorted into the Senate by his Liberal colleagues Linda Reynolds and Concetta Fierravanti-Wells.

READ MORE: Molan succeeds Sinodinos | PoliticsNow: Live coverage from Parliament House

Mathias Cormann congratulates Liberal Senator Jim Molan after his swearing in ceremony. Picture: AAP

“It is good to be part of a team, because that is seriously what I am doing,” Senator Molan said.

“It was just good to be with those colleagues again.

“The main thing I will focus on is being part of a team because most of the big issues — issues such as fire and drought, water, energy, freedom and rights and population — most of those things are not sold by individuals. They are sold by the team.

Jim Molan returns to the Senate chamber, flanked by Concetta Fierravanti-Wells and Linda Reynolds. Picture: Kym Smith

“And as a backbencher if a minister wishes to use me to assist them I am here to be used.”

The NSW senator lost his seat after being bumped down the Liberal ticket at the May election, but returned on Monday to replace Senator Sinodinos.

He beat off a challenge from Woollahra Deputy Mayor Richard Shields for the spot earlier in November.

The retired major general was a senator from 2017 until the May election but, after being preselected for an “unwinnable” spot on the Coalition’s ticket, caused disquiet in the Liberal Party by campaigning on a “below-the-line” ticket at the election.

Following his preselection victory, Mr Molan said he had “no regrets” over his below-the-line campaign, saying: “I thank the people of NSW who voted for me in great numbers.”

Senator Molan said on Monday his key areas of interest were veterans’ affairs and defence strategy.

“Veterans affairs is very important to me. And I am also very interested in the overall co-ordination of what we as a nation do in a strategic sense,” he said.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING: AAP