Veteran Liberal Senator Eric Abetz prepares for new life after 28 years in the Senate

Eric Abetz, one of Tasmania’s most conservative politicians, says he is “philosophical” as he prepares for a new life after a near three decade stint in the senate. ERIC’S GOODBYE>>>

Liberal senator Eric Abetz is clearing out his office as he prepares for a new life after 28 years in the Senate.

“I’m philosophical,” he said.

“It doesn’t look hopeful but I will await the final count.

“I’m busying myself cleaning out the office.”

Senator Abetz, who was relegated to the largely unwinnable third spot on the Senate ticket, will be replaced by Jacqui Lambie staffer Tammy Tyrrell.

The final figures could be known as early as Wednesday.

The latest Australian Electoral Commission update shows the Liberals with 2.2 quotas, Labor with 1.93, the Greens 1.09 and Jacqui Lambie Network with 0.59.

Election analyst Dr Kevin Bonham said it was clear Senator Abetz was not getting enough below the line votes.

Liberal senator Eric Abetz. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING

“He’s getting more above the line votes than Wendy Askew (number two on the Liberal ticket) but Tammy Tyrrell will win.”

Despite his likely defeat, Senator Abetz was pleased with the Liberal’s Tasmanian performance at last Saturday’s election.

“The re-election of the two sitting members in Bass and Braddon reflects their hard work and positivity for the state Liberal government,” he said.

“The emphasis was on the North with Prime Ministerial visits which no doubt helped.

“Tasmania is the stand out State economically and has had nine quarters on top.”

One senior Liberal source, saddened at his imminent departure said Senator Abetz, a lawyer before his election in 1994, had been in politics for all the right reasons.

“He was a strong voice for Tasmania and Tasmanians for close on three decades,” he said.

“He’s a man of integrity, has a work ethic second to none and has always been a strong advocate for what he believed in.

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz votes at his old school Blackmans Bay Primary School. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“He’s always put others first and has lived to the motto service before self.”

Another political observer said while Senator Abetz had hoped for a below-the-line vote many Tasmanians voted below the line to put him last on their ballot papers.

Political analyst Professor Richard Herr said it was “always going to be an uphill slog” for Senator Abetz.

“It must have been a very difficult choice for him at this stage of his career to have to test his popularity from the number three spot which by all accounts is expected to be unwinnable,” Prof Herr said.

“He was on the right of the conservatives but a bulldog for his beliefs.

“I remember the early days at university chairing candidate debates for students and he was a very effective and fiery debater.

Liberal Senator Eric Abetz votes at his old school Blackmans Bay Primary School. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“For a long time he had support of the machine wing of the Liberal Party and he enjoyed longevity.”

Prof Herr said Senator Abetz’s 28 years of service had earned him both “baggage as well as popularity but the baggage seems to have outweighed the popularity”.

Senator Abetz, 64, who was a vehement campaigner against marriage equality and abortion, was Employment Minister and Leader of the Government in the Senate under former Prime Minister Tony Abbott from 2013-15 and also a Minister in the Howard government.

Originally published as Veteran Liberal Senator Eric Abetz prepares for new life after 28 years in the Senate