Tasmanian Independent Senator Tammy Tyrell has announced she will join the Labor Party, delivering a significant boost to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's numbers in the Senate.
Tyrell, who was elected under the Jacqui Lambie Network in 2022, left the party in 2024 to sit on the crossbench as an independent.
Her decision to join Labor strengthens the government's position in the upper house, taking its tally to 30 of 76 seats and improving its ability to pass legislation.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Tyrell said the move would allow her to better advocate for her state.
'As a Senator for Tasmania, I want to have a seat at the table where I can make the most change and bring back good outcomes to Tasmanians.'
She defended the decision, saying it reflects where she can be most effective, and made clear she would not apologise to voters or critics.
'I'm not going to apologise to anybody for coming over. It's a good fit. I've supported Labor regularly over the last four years, but I've also pushed back when something important for Tasmania needed it.'
Asked by Daily Mail whether she had approached Labor or been approached herself, Tyrell said the discussions had developed over time, with Labor figures repeatedly encouraging her to join.
Tammy Tyrell (left) will leave the crossbench to become a member of the Labor Party
'There have been respectful conversations over time with many parties,' she said.
'Labor members have said to me over the last couple of years that I'd be a good fit, but I needed to be ready.'
Tyrell said her decision reflects a long-standing alignment with Labor, pointing to her voting record in Parliament.
'Now is the time. I want a seat at the table where real change happens. I've found a good home, and my voting record shows I already aligned with Labor frequently.'
Asked whether she owed voters an apology for joining a major party after being elected as a crossbencher, Tyrell rejected the criticism, arguing she is still representing Tasmanians as promised.
'Tasmanians need strong voices who are willing to change, collaborate, and modify positions when needed. That's what I've done over the last four years,' she said.
Tyrell pointed to her first speech to Parliament, where she signalled she would not rule out shifting her stance if circumstances evolved.
'In my first speech, I said I wouldn't be judged for 'flip-flopping' when circumstances change. The Parliament has changed, Tasmania has changed, and the information we deal with changes daily.'
Tyrell (left) said that she would make no apologies to voters for her switching to Labor
While acknowledging some voters may disagree with her decision, she said her focus remains on delivering for the state.
'Some people won't like my decision, but I'll always give Tasmanians value, respect, and my best.'
Tyrell has previously been critical of the government's proposed social media ban for under-16s, something she would now be bound to support under Labor's caucus rules.
Acknowledging there had been disagreements in the past, she said joining Labor marked a reset.
'There are times when I have not agreed in the past, but this is a fresh start moving forward.'