Independent Tasmanian senator Tammy Tyrrell has joined the Labor Party, describing the move as a "natural fit".
Tyrrell has been sitting on the crossbench for more than two years, after resigning from the Jacqui Lambie Network in 2024.
She joined the upper house in 2022 after serving as senator Jacqui Lambie's office manager.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Tyrrell refused to apologise for flipping to Labor.
"I'm not going to apologise to anybody for joining Labor. It's a good fit," she said.
"I've supported Labor very regularly over the last four years, but I've also pushed back on things for Tasmania," she added. "I will still do that."
Her move will boost Labor's numbers in the Senate to 30, but the government will still require the support of the Coalition or Greens to pass legislation in the upper house.
"I want to have a seat at the table where I can make the most change and bring back good stuff to Tasmania," she said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, standing next to Tyrrell, labelled her a "good faith negotiator" who has been a strong advocate for Tasmanians.
"She's been an advocate about cost of living pressures facing Tasmanians, and she's someone who has spent her life helping others. People across Tasmania know her as a fighter," he said.
"She's someone who's warm, genuinely funny and compassionate. She also never gives up on people."
It is the second time the Albanese government has poached a senator, with Western Australian senator Dorinda Cox defecting from the Greens last year.
Asked about potential criticism from voters over her decision, Tyrrell maintained that she could do the job she was elected to do as a Labor member.
"There are people who are not going to like what I've done, but the people who elect me are always going to get value for money, respect and the best outcome," she said.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
