Liberal’s new Tasmania senator Chris Gatenby sworn in

A former staffer for Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has been sworn in as the Liberal’s newest senator as the conservative party deals with the departure of two long-time parliamentarians from the island state.

Chris Gatenby was sworn in as a senator for Tasmania shortly after parliament resumed on Monday morning.

Mr Gatenby had been serving as a senior adviser to Mr Rockliff when he was tapped to take the spot of outgoing senator Wendy Askew earlier this month.

He will also lead the party’s 2028 election ticket for the Senate, followed by Sarah Courtney, a former senior state who led the state’s Covid response, and Latrobe councillor Jacki Martin.

The swearing in comes after long-time Tasmania senators Jonno Duniam and Senator Askew announced their intention to leave politics.

Senator Duniam, a prominent Coalition frontbencher, said in a June statement his 25 years in politics had come “at the expense of family”.

“Twenty-five years is a long time in any vocation and, when you take your role seriously, it always comes first,” he said.

“It is time I reversed my priorities and I can’t do that if I am to stay in politics.”

Liberal Tasmania senator Claire Chandler welcomed Mr Gatenby’s preselection earlier this month, stating the father of two was “well versed in working to deliver results

“He will bring his pragmatic, solutions-oriented mind to the Liberal senate ticket,” she said.

“I have no doubt Chris, Sarah, and Jacki will work hard to ensure success for the Liberal Party’s Tasmanian team at the next federal election.”

He also served as electorate adviser, senior adviser, and chief of staff for former federal sports minister Richard Colbeck.

Originally published as Liberal’s new Tasmania senator Chris Gatenby sworn in