New ACT senator sworn in as controversy around his future continues
New ACT Labor senator David Smith has been sworn in to the federal Senate, formally beginning what could be a short-lived political career.
Senator Smith was flanked by Labor's leader in the Senate Penny Wong and deputy leader in the Senate Don Farrell.
Senator Smith made the oath on a bible before being congratulated by his fellow senators from both sides of the chamber. He then took his seat behind his Labor colleagues, closest to Senators Lisa Singh from Tasmania and Murray Watt of Queensland.
It comes just 24 hours after Ms Wong said on ABC's Insiders that she wanted former senator Katy Gallagher to be back in the Senate, which would come at the expense of Mr Smith.
"In terms of preselection for the next election, Bill Shorten has made clear, I have made clear, as have other senior leaders and senior members of the Labor Party both at the territory level and federally, that we want Katy back in the Senate," she said.
"She is a very important part of our Senate leadership team. As Senate leader, I want her back and I know Bill and others do as well."
While Mr Smith has labelled the comments "disappointing," he denied any awkwardness after the Senate leader had backed Ms Gallagher instead of him.