Who is Tammy Tyrrell, the former Jacqui Lambie senator who just joined Labor?

Addition of Tasmanian crossbencher means Labor has gained a seat in the Senate – but still doesn’t have a majority Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast The former Jacqui Lambie ally Tammy Tyrrell has joined the ALP, becoming the latest party-hopping senator to be lured by Anthony Albanese’s government. Tyrrell, the Tasmanian senator who had a falling-out with Lambie in 2024, has sat as an independent for more than two years. But on Thursday, in an unexpected move during budget week, the prime minister announced she would be admitted to the Labor party and would serve out the rest of her term as a government member. “I want to have a seat at the table where I can make some change,” Tyrrell said of her decision. “I’m not going to apologise to anybody for joining Labor. It’s a good fit. I’ve supported Labor very regularly over the last four years. But I’ve also pushed back when things are important, and I will still do that but respectfully and calmly through caucus. Tyrrell downplayed her previous opposition to Labor’s signature policy to ban social media for children. In 2024, Tyrrell claimed the idea “isn

May 14, 2026 → May 22, 2026