A "loud and proud Tasmanian girl" who is anything but a politician — that's how Tasmania's likely new senator describes herself.
Tammy Tyrrell is on the cusp of being elected as a senator for Tasmania and, in doing so, would likely end the political career of Liberal Eric Abetz.
If she does, she'll switch from being Jacqui Lambie's office manager to her companion on the floor of parliament — a duo that could wield significant power.
Who is Tammy Tyrrell?
The 51-year-old has lived in Tasmania most of her life, growing up in the north-west town of Ulverstone.
"I'm a big personality, I'm not scared to stand on the footpath and have a dance and a sing," she said.
"I'm not foolish, I'm not stupid but I'm not scared to be me."
She's had a varied work history, from pumping petrol to packing potatoes, as well as working as an employment training adviser for a job agency.
More recently, she's been Senator Jacqui Lambie's office manager but started working for her soon after she was first elected as an advisor and electorate officer.
"I won't be told to be quiet. I'm honest and you'll never get a porky pie out of me."
Ms Tyrrell has two sons aged in their twenties.
What does she stand for?
Support for Tasmania's health system and the introduction of a federal integrity commission are high on her agenda.
Aged care is also a sector that is close to her heart — her partner of more than 20 years, Timmy, is an aged care worker.
"He struggles every day but he cares about the oldies and the people there. They deserve the respect and care they need," she said.
"I want to make sure our voices are heard."
When asked what she'd like to achieve if elected, she said the first two would be "not to fall over in the marble hall and not to fall down the stairs".
Why Jacqui Lambie?
Having worked for Senator Lambie for a number of years, she said they've built a strong relationship, both personally and professionally.
"You don't stick with someone that long if you are not a believer in the message and the good she is doing for the state," she said.
Senator Lambie's time in parliament has been turbulent, sensationally splitting with Clive Palmer's party shortly after being elected.
Ms Tyrrell said she's committed to the senator, despite sometimes having differing views.
"We may have a different flavour, a different perspective, we may take a different street, but we always come back with what is going to be best for people here in Tassie," she said.
"Sometimes it's all about talking it out and realising, 'I'm saying white but you're saying Hamptons white.' It's in the same ballpark, it just means that you've got to channel back together.
"We may be saying exactly the same thing but using different words. At the end of the day, we are always going to be united."
What role will she play in the new parliament?
The Jacqui Lambie Network duo will sit on the crossbench in the Senate, along with 12 Greens senators, two from One Nation and independent David Pocock (whose seat is also still be confirmed).
The final makeup is still weeks away but Labor, which is likely to end with 26 of the 76 total seats, will need at least some crossbench support when passing legislation through Parliament.
Ms Tyrrell said she'll bring an "open door" approach when working with the new government.
"There's no closed doors, it's all about opening doors. I'll talk to anybody, I am not scared to have a chat," she said.
Senator Lambie is confident having the voice of Ms Tyrrell in parliament would be beneficial for the state.
