A bill to expand the House of Assembly from 25 members to 35 members passed the second reading in the Legislative Council on Thursday.

Mersey independent MLC Mike Gaffney was the only member to oppose the bill.

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In his contribution, he said he could not support the bill as there needed to be more dialogue about parliament's functioning and other models.

He said as the Liberals and Labor had eight members in the upper house in support of the bill, it would pass - no matter the issues raised.

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Mr Gaffney said a unicameral model of Parliament, like that in Queensland, appeared to have been ignored during consideration of the bill.

He said this model could provide Tasmanian Parliament with plenty of ministerial options and members for committee work.

Murchinson independent MLC Ruth Forrest said there had been an increase in the employment of more political advisers and money spent on consultants since the lower house was downsized almost 25 years ago.

She said she was worried a 35-seat House of Assembly would lead to the election of more partisan backbenchers, adding there needed to be a much broader approach to parliamentary reform.

"All this bill proposes is to address the body politic in a brand new suit," Ms Forrest said.

"It's a worrying sign that we're prepared to accept a quick fix when far more is required."

McIntyre independent MLC Tania Rattray said briefings on the bill had not reviewed the true cost of expansion nor the impact on the entire Parliament.

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