Senator Nick McKim has replaced former Greens leader Christine Milne, who resigned in August, as Green Senator for Tasmania.
The 50-year-old Senator was the leader of the Greens in Tasmania and was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly in 2002, under the division of Franklin.
Senator McKim said Australian voters were dissatisfied with the politics on offer.
"They can't believe that our Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition could get up every morning and ask themselves 'how can I win the next election?' rather than 'how can I better serve the people we are here to represent?'" he said.
“Politics, the chosen profession of everyone elected to this place, is in a fair bit of strife.
“It’s in strife because our people are completely over being treated with a lack of respect – being taken for granted - by so many of their political representatives.
“They’re sick of the constant sniping and negativity that characterises so much of what passes for political debate in this country, and in this parliament.”
Senator McKim began his first Parliamentary speech with reference to the injustices faced by Indigenous Australians.
"I acknowledge that adequate reparations have not yet been made for the wrongs that Australia's original inhabitants have suffered since European arrival,” he said.
“I look forward to the day when there is a treaty between Australia's first people and those who displaced them from their land."
Senator McKim also expressed concern about the current refugee crisis.
"Throughout human history, our biggest challenges have arisen when ecologies collapse and when the equity gap - the gap between the 'haves' and the 'have nots' - is at its widest,” he said.
"This is the situation currently facing us on a global scale. It is manifesting most obviously in the human tragedy unfolding before our horrified, disbelieving eyes in Europe where millions of refugees have been displaced and thousands have died as they and their families attempt to reach peace, sanctuary, the chance for a better life, or just simply a chance at life."
Senator McKim also outlined issues he believes are of concern for the nation including marriage equality, sustainable development, global warming and violence against women.
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