Tammy Tyrrell quits Jacqui Lambie Network
The Tasmanian senator Tammy Tyrrell says she is quitting the Jacqui Lambie Network, but plans to stay in the Senate as an independent – saying the party leader had suggested her former party mate “go it alone”.
Tyrrell said in a statement this evening:
Today I have advised the Jacqui Lambie Network that I am resigning from the party. I’ll remain in the Senate as an independent senator for Tasmania.
This is not something I’ve taken lightly. It’s become clear to me that I no longer have the confidence of the Jacqui Lambie Network to be able to represent it in the Senate. While Jacqui has not kicked me out of the Network, she has suggested that I go it alone.
I am not doing this because I want to harm Jacqui or the Network. I want to see Jacqui and the JLN continue to succeed. As it is now clear that the Network does not have confidence in my ability to contribute to that success, I do not wish to do anything in my advocacy for Tasmania that might harm it.
With that in mind, the best thing I can do is to step aside to allow the Network to shine. I don’t want to hold them back. I believe this is the best thing for Jacqui, the Network, myself, but most importantly, the people of Tasmania right now.
We’re reaching out to Lambie for comment.
Tyrrell has shared this YouTube clip – claiming “Jacqui has indicated she’s not happy with the way I’ve been representing the Jacqui Lambie Network”, but that there were “no hard feelings” between the pair.
Updated
What we learned, Thursday 28 March
With the long weekend almost upon us, this is where we’re leaving the blog for today. But before we go let’s recap the main events:
Jodie Belyea called for “political courage” to deliver gambling ad restrictions during maiden speech.
The government announced $1bn for solar panel manufacturing in Hunter region.
New rules for telcos will be in place for provide financial hardship assistance.
Melbourne’s lord mayor, Sally Capp, announced her resignation, to pursue “new opportunities”.
The Victorian government will introduce a tobacco licensing scheme.
The defence chief apologised at the opening of the defence and veteran suicide royal commission.
An ACCC survey found people were skipping meals to feed children properly.
Jacinta Allan said the NDIS changes would “impact adversely, the very people the NDIS is designed to support”.
Master Builders said apprenticeship data confirmed a “critical labour shortage”.
Cairns residents were urged to stay inside after reports of gunshot.
Tasmanian senator Tammy Tyrrell announced she is quitting the Jacqui Lambie Network.
For those taking time off, have a lovely break!
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