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AAP
AAP
Politics
Ethan James

New MP for Australia's only Liberal government

Simon Behrakis has been elected to the Tasmanian parliament after a recount in the seat of Clark (Ethan James/AAP PHOTOS)

Tasmania's minority Liberal government, the only of its colour in Australia, has another new MP - the fifth elected by recounts this term.

The resignation of former attorney-general Elise Archer earlier this month prompted a recount in the Hobart-based electorate of Clark.

It was won on Tuesday by Liberal candidate and Hobart councillor Simon Behrakis, with 55 per cent of Ms Archer's distributed votes.

The island state's government has been in minority since May, when two MPs quit the Liberals to sit on the cross bench.

Mr Behrakis's win means the Liberals return to holding 11 of the 25 lower-house seats.

"Having campaigned alongside Simon at the last two elections, I know he is a fierce advocate for Tasmania, particularly for ... Clark," Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.

Ms Archer was sacked from cabinet amid workplace bullying allegations and messages he deemed inappropriate.

She resigned from parliament a few days later after Mr Rockliff said he would call an early election if she didn't declare her political future.

Five Liberal lower-house MPs have resigned from parliament since the party was re-elected in 2021.

Adam Brooks departed shortly after the poll following a tumultuous campaign, while Sarah Courtney, Jacquie Petrusma and then-premier Peter Gutwein quit in 2022.

All were replaced in recounts by fellow Liberals.

Jeremy Rockliff
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has a new member in his parliamentary team.

Ms Archer lodged a formal complaint with the Director of Public Prosecutions alleging Mr Rockliff had "threatened" her into resigning, but it was dismissed.

She denied the workplace bullying allegations and claims one message where she said she was "sick" of abuse victim-survivors had been taken out of context.

The government has faced several no-confidence motions in parliament in recent months but all have failed.

Mr Behrakis said he wanted to hit the ground running and would advocate for improved infrastructure.

"This includes ... (increasing) housing supply and reducing traffic congestion so that all Tasmanians, even our most vulnerable, can live, work and get around our state," he said.

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