Tasmanian senator Stephen Parry will visit the Governor-General on Thursday to formally resign from parliament, as likely successor Richard Colbeck considers his next step.
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On Wednesday Senator Parry announced his resignation only hours after receiving advice from the British Home Office that he was, by virtue of his father’s birthplace, a British citizen.
The resignation of the President of the Senate and Tasmania’s most senior-ranking Liberal is likely to create a vacancy that would see Mr Colbeck, a political ally of Malcolm Turnbull, return to the parliament.
In a farewell message to his colleagues, Senator Parry thanked them for the support.
“Because my departure is rapid and an unexpected event, I will not have the usual opportunity to address you in the Senate one last time,” he said.
“I wish to thank all of you as colleagues, many of whom I regard as good friends – from all quarters of the chamber – for your support and confidence in me.”
Mr Colbeck, who spoke with Senator Parry on Wednesday morning, said there were still a few stages before he was certain to make a return.
“It might take a while or it could be quickly,” he said.
If the seat is declared vacant, Mr Colbeck would take Senator Parry’s place.
If a recount is held, who would fill the spot is uncertain.
”I’ve made no secret of the fact that I was keen to return to the parliament, the question was the path – a very unexpected door has opened,” Mr Colbeck said.
After being placed in an unwinnable fifth spot on the 2016 Liberal senate ticket, Mr Colbeck was asked if it was a bittersweet return to the Senate.
“I really don’t know how to feel about it,” he said.
“It’s not necessarily about what I feel – I’ve got a job to do on behalf of the electors of Tassie.”
In a swipe at the status quo, Mr Colbeck said there had been “too much of politicians talking about themselves”.
He said the community feedback called for them to “get on with the job of governing the country”.
Senator Eric Abetz, who held the first position on the 2016 Liberal Senate ticket, acknowledged it had been a difficult week for the Tasmanian Liberal Senate team.
“I am confident that Richard Colbeck will return to the Senate,” he said.
“Richard has been a dedicated servant.”