Controversial Labor senator sworn in

A former union official who was hauled before the trade union royal commission has been sworn-in as a Labor senator.

Former union official Kimberley Kitching has been sworn in as a federal Labor senator. (AAP)

Former union official Kimberley Kitching has been sworn in as a Labor senator.

The lawyer and former Health Services Union official was a controversial choice having been hauled before the Royal Commission into Trade Union Governance and Corruption over official workplace tests.

She fills a casual vacancy left by the shock resignation of veteran Labor senator Stephen Conroy.