Tasmania's minority Liberal government doesn't have its preferred parliamentary Speaker after crossbench and opposition MPs joined forces to back an alternative.
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The nation's only Liberal government was returned to power at the March 23 election, after winning 14 of 35 lower-house seats - four short of a majority.
The Liberals planned to nominate Mark Shelton as Speaker when parliament returned on Tuesday.
But Labor's nomination, 18-year state political veteran Michelle O'Byrne, received the support required to secure the position.
"We have listened to the will of the members and the parliamentary Liberal Party has decided not to contest the speakership on the floor of the house," Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
"I take this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership and wise counsel Mark Shelton has provided to the house ... and I wish the new Speaker all the very best."
Ms O'Byrne had the backing of Labor, which holds 10 seats, as well as five Greens, three Jacqui Lambie Network (JLN) members and her brother, independent David O'Byrne.
She was elected unopposed.
Ms O'Byrne entered parliament in 2006 and previously served as the federal member for Bass for six years.
First-term JLN MPs Miriam Beswick, Andrew Jenner and Rebekah Pentland believe Ms O'Byrne will deliver rigour and discipline to the lower house.
"A Speaker must preside over proceedings with impartiality and provide guidance in matters of procedure," the trio said in a statement.
The JLN have signed a deal with the Liberals to provide confidence and supply, but were free to vote on the speakership as they saw fit.
Independents Kristie Johnston and Mr O'Byrne have given their votes of supply and confidence on merit and insist they'll maintain their independence.
There are 13 fresh faces in a lower house restored from 25 to 35 seats, including former senator Eric Abetz for the Liberals.
"It is the Tasmanian government's intention for this parliament to be as collaborative and constructive as possible, avoiding unnecessary division and dissent," Mr Rockliff said.
"We need to be firmly focused on working together to achieve outcomes on the issues that matter for Tasmanians."
The Liberals suffered a 12 per cent swing against them at the election but Labor only picked up 0.8 per cent of the vote.
Australian Associated Press
