Media release – Jacqui Lambie Network, 9 July 2021
Tammy Tyrrell is the JLN’s top Senate candidate
The Jacqui Lambie Network is excited to introduce our top Senate candidate for the next federal election, Tammy Tyrrell.
Tammy and Jacqui have worked together since Jacqui was first elected to Parliament. Tammy has been Jacqui’s legislative advisor, office manager, and electoral officer over the seven years Jacqui’s been in office.
“Tammy’s a bloody legend,” said Jacqui. “I know the people of Tasmania are going to love her just as much as I do.
“She’s the sort of person who would give you the shirt off her back. She’s down-to-earth, kind, and decent. She’s fierce too. She’s been with me through thick and thin, and I can tell you, it’s good to have someone like Tammy in your corner.
“I can’t wait to have her backing me up on the chamber floor.”
Tammy said, “I’m like Jacqui. What you see is what you get. I’m honest, I’m frank, I’m genuine. I live in the real world, and we need more people from the real world in Parliament.
“Working for Jacqui, I’ve learned a lot about how politics works. I’ve seen up close the way the major parties play, and it isn’t always pretty. But I’ve also seen the good Jacqui’s managed to do with just one vote. She’s up there fighting on her own, and she’s still had some huge wins for Tasmania.
“Imagine how much she could do if she had someone to back her up.”
The race for the sixth Senate seat is shaping up to be a contest between Tammy and Eric Abetz, who has been in Parliament since 1994.
Tammy said, “I know I’m not a usual candidate for the Senate. I didn’t go to uni, I don’t have a law degree, I’m not rich or from a well-off family, and I’ve never been a member of a union. Most politicians seem like they’ve come straight from an assembly line. I’ve worked on one.
“I’m sure our current politicians had good intentions when they came into politics many moons ago, but the reality is, when you work for a major party it’s too easy to forget the people who got you where you are. You start putting the party before what matters. That’s what I want to fight against.
“If this is looking like a two-way race, it’s a choice between Eric Abetz and me. It’s a choice of whose values best represent us. I have respect for Eric as a person, but I don’t share his values. That’s what this contest is about.”
If Tammy gets elected there is a fair chance that the Jacqui Lambie Network will hold the balance of power in the next Parliament.
“Jacqui and I give a damn about Tasmania. If Tasmania held the balance of power in the Senate, the major parties would have to give a damn too,” said Tammy.
The Jacqui Lambie Network will be making further candidate announcements on a rolling basis.
