Farrell elevated to upper house presidency

Craig Farrell in the chair at today's sitting of Tasmania's
 Legislative Council.

LOCAL Legislative Councillor Craig Farrell has been elected unopposed to the position of president of the Upper House of the Tasmanian parliament.

Mr Farrell, of New Norfolk, said he was extremely honoured to have been voted in as the president of the Legislative Council earlier today.

"I made the decision to nominate for this important role after careful consideration and based on advice. I intend to treat the role with the dignity that it requires and deserves.

"From the outset I want to make it clear that I will remain a member of the Labor Caucus. I will also reserve my right to vote on matters according to my Labor values at times when a casting vote is required and respect the critical role of the Legislative Council."

Craig Farrell and Governor Kate Warner, centre, with other
members of the Legislative Council at Government House.

A former Derwent Valley councillor and deputy mayor, Mr Farrell was elected to the Legislative Council division of Derwent in 2011 and upon taking his seat was immediately elevated to Deputy Leader of the Government in the Upper House, rising to leader the following year.

In 2014 he served a short term as Minister for Sustainable Transport and Minister for Corrections and Consumer Protection in Lara Giddings' Labor Government.

The Examiner reports that the elevation to the presidency will add $49,065 to Mr Farrell's base salary of $140,185. He is only the third Member for Derwent to hold the presidency since 1856.

"I deeply respect the role of president and I am gratified and thankful that my Upper House colleagues have placed their faith and trust in me," Mr Farrell said.