The coalition's newest senator is positioning himself as a voice for country Victoria, saying the state's agricultural sector is under-represented in parliament.
Greg Mirabella, the husband of former Liberal MP Sophie Mirabella, was selected to fill the casual vacancy created by the resignation of Senate president Scott Ryan.
Mr Mirabella, himself a farmer, said despite Victoria having the largest agricultural output of Australian states, there were no elected farmers representing the state federally.
"I think we need (a farmer representing Victoria) and we have needed one for a while," he told AAP.
Water policy, energy and emissions will be some of the senator's main focuses.
Mr Mirabella said he would bring "fresh eyes" and approach the debate over emissions reductions - which has split the government over the preceding months - from a different direction.
Emissions reduction, agricultural developments and energy policy have become too compartmentalised for issues that directly relate to each other, he said.
It is unlikely he will attend Canberra during the current sitting fortnight as he awaits the Victorian state parliament to endorse him.
Mr Mirabella defeated Treasurer Josh Frydenberg's former adviser Simon Frost over the weekend and will be listed third on the coalition's Senate ticket in Victoria for the upcoming federal election due by May 21.
Mr Frost was narrowly defeated by 14 votes after just over 300 delegates took part in the ballot.
Incumbent Liberal senator Sarah Henderson won top spot on the ticket and Nationals' senator and cabinet minister Bridget McKenzie will be listed second as per the coalition's agreement.
The third spot is the last on the ticket to be considered winnable.
