A Tasmanian senator replacing her brother and a libertarian taking his old boss's place have delivered their first speeches to parliament.
But the latter's could also be his last, with Liberal Democrats senator Duncan Spender facing an uphill battle at the federal election to win his NSW seat back and avoid setting the record for least number of sitting days in the upper house.
"If I don't win, this speech will double as a maiden speech and a valedictory speech, which might be a first," he told parliament on Wednesday.
Senator Spender was chief of staff to David Leyonhjelm, who is still waiting to see whether he won a seat in the NSW upper house at last month's state election.
"The Liberal Democrats will always fight for free speech, to reduce the tax burden, the end of the nanny state, the end of the police state, and the end of the war on drugs," he said.
"We will fight for power, so we can leave you alone."
He said immigration had been a success despite Pauline Hanson's claim more than 20 years ago that Australia was in danger of being swamped by Asians.
"Well, the Asians came, and it was an absolute triumph," he said.
Senator Spender took aim at those criticising Muslim immigration, arguing many people coming to Australia rejected radical regimes in their homeland.
"We should look after our liberal democracy, because liberal democracy will always beat the unattractive weakling that is radical Islam," he said.
Senator Spender spoke after the Liberal Wendy Askew, who replaced her brother David Bushby, said she was honoured to follow in the footsteps of female trailblazers.
"We often hear about the need to increase the representation of women in politics - I agree," Senator Askew said.
"This is only one part of the equation. I also believe that we need diversity in all areas be that age, gender, religious belief or work background."
