THE influence of former Tasmanian Senator Brian Harradine will almost certainly never be seen again in Australian politics.
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The 79-year-old died at his Hobart home on Monday.
Known as "the father of the Senate", Mr Harradine was the longest serving independent in the upper house from 1975 until 2005.
For 30 years he served Tasmania as an independent in the Senate.
Mr Harradine used his balance of power position to secure significant concessions for his home state - including $353 million for the part sale of Telstra.
He eschewed the politics or personality, becoming renowned for his tough, and reportedly maddening, negotiating style.
He eschewed the politics or personality, becoming renowned for his tough, and reportedly maddening, negotiating style.
When then prime minister John Howard was trying to get his GST legislation through the Senate, Mr Harradine forced several concessions from Mr Howard and then-treasurer Peter Costello only to knock it back because of its potential impact on society's vulnerable.
His career was not without controversy, however.
His staunch Catholic beliefs informed his opposition to issues such as abortion and human embryo research and his support for stricter anti-pornography laws and the effective ban on abortion drug RU486.
He loved Tasmania's wilderness, but would not use his position as the state's trade union boss to try and save Lake Pedder because he feared for jobs.
However, even his political opponents recognised his tireless commitment to standing up for his beliefs and advocating for Tasmania.
In today's age, many politicians are happy to be seen to be doing things, rather than actually achieving change. Many gauge the political wind before committing to a course of action or obfuscate so much that their position is unclear or malleable.
Mr Harradine was a conviction politician. Agree or disagree with his beliefs and actions, it is a trait to be admired.