NEW Bass Liberal MHR Andrew Nikolic has used his first speech in Federal Parliament to declare his intention to deliver ``real and practical action'' to turn around Tasmania's dire economic situation.
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Mr Nikolic was chosen as the first of the 41 newly-elected members in September to give his inaugural speech in Parliament.
Mr Nikolic, the child of Yugoslavian migrants, singled out his time growing up in the Northern suburbs of Adelaide in a housing trust home and at the St Joseph's Home for Boys as life changing.
``They reinforced the value of reward for effort, the importance of community and the close link between effort and ambition,'' Mr Nikolic said.
He spoke of his 31-year military career which included postings in Israel, Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq as providing ``order, discipline and structure'' in his youth and a continuous purposeful endeavour and responsibility.
``Becoming responsible for the well-being of 30 people at 20 years of age forces you to recast your priorities,'' he said.
As his wife Christine and youngest son looked on, he also paid tribute to his family. With a swing of 11 per cent, the former brigadier replaced Labor's Geoff Lyons.
Mr Nikolic said his early priorities were to follow through on election promises including funding for Invermay Park, supporting a healthier Tamar River and transforming Launceston's North Bank.
As well as representing Bass, Mr Nikolic signalled his intention to play a role in developing international relations and defence policies.
In an eventful first day, Mr Nikolic was also allowed to ask a question on immigration during the first question time of the 44th Parliament.
Tasmania's two other new MHRs, Eric Hutchinson and Brett Whiteley, are expected to give their maiden speeches next month.