Tammy Tyrrell, a Tasmanian senator and former ally of Jacqui Lambie, has officially joined the Labor Party, marking a significant shift in her political alignment. After a falling-out with Lambie in 2024, Tyrrell has served as an independent for over two years. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced her admission to the Labor Party during budget week, allowing her to complete her term as a government member. Tyrrell expressed her desire to effect change and stated her pride in joining Labor, having supported the party consistently over the past four years. Despite this increase in Labor's numbers in the Senate to 30, the party still lacks an overall majority and will need support from other parties to pass legislation. Albanese praised Tyrrell for her advocacy on cost of living issues in Tasmania and her dedication to helping others. Tyrrell initially entered politics as a staffer for Lambie and won her Senate seat in 2022, previously held by former Liberal senator Eric Abetz. Her defection follows that of former Greens senator Dorinda Cox, who joined Labor in June 2025.