Jacqui Lambie has wished Tammy Tyrrell "all the best of luck" outside the Jacqui Lambie Network, noting she was part of a mission to "give people who aren't part of the political class an opportunity to serve the Australian people."
In a sensational turn of events, Senator Tyrrell, a former long term staffer of Senator Lambie, has announced she has "decided to part ways" with Senator Lambie as a Senate crossbench duo and "become a Senator for Tasmania in my own right".
Senator Tyrrell earlier revealed her former boss suggested that she "go it alone", but insisted she was not kicked out of the Tasmanian-based network of independents.
Senator Lambie released a statement on Friday headed: "Senator Tammy Tyrrell has taken the decision to leave the Jacqui Lambie Network."
"One of my missions has always been to give people who aren't part of the political class an opportunity to serve the Australian people," she said.
"I wish Tammy all the best of luck. We will both continue to represent the great state of Tasmania in the Senate. This does not change our working relationship or friendship."
The split, soon after the March 23 Tasmanian state election and just at the start of a six-week Parliamentary break, will shake up the crossbench dynamics needed to pass legislation in the Senate. The network's Tasmanian candidates are set to wield enormous power in Tasmania with the dust yet to settle on how the state's hung parliament will work.
On Friday morning, Senator Lambie posted to Facebook without mentioning the departure of Senator Tyrrell.
"Hey, it's finally the weekend!" she said in the upbeat message.
"Get ready to unwind and have some fun. And, most importantly, let's all make sure to have a fantastic and safe long weekend! #fridayfeeling #jln"
A statement from Senator Tyrrell said she would remain in the Senate as an independent representative for Tasmania.
"This is not something I've taken lightly," she said. "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."
A separate video posted to X starts with Senator Tyrrell in an office setting stating, "I want you to hear this from me."
The Ulverstone born politician then outlines in a clearly emotional voice what has happened.
"Jacqui has indicated that she's not happy with the way that I've been representing the Jacqui Lambie Network," she said.
"So I've made the tough decision to step aside and let the network shine in its own right, and me to shine in my own right.
"There's no hard feelings between Jacqui and I. I want the best for the network. But I'm hopeful that this is the right decision for Jacqui, the network and the people of Tasmania."
Senator Tyrrell worked as a staffer for Senator Lambie from 2014 to 2022, before she became the Jacqui Lambie Network's lead Senate candidate in Tasmania, winning a six-year term over Liberal veteran Eric Abetz.
Karen Barlow
Karen Barlow is ACM's Chief Political Correspondent. Working in the federal press gallery, she investigates and writes about federal politics and government. She has an interest in integrity, leadership and social equity. She has covered two Olympics and been to Antarctica twice. Contact her on karen.barlow@canberratimes.com.au
Karen Barlow is ACM's Chief Political Correspondent. Working in the federal press gallery, she investigates and writes about federal politics and government. She has an interest in integrity, leadership and social equity. She has covered two Olympics and been to Antarctica twice. Contact her on karen.barlow@canberratimes.com.au
