Derryn Hinch ‘will learn the job’: Senator Nick Xenophon

Independent senator Nick Xenophon has said people need to give broadcaster turned rookie senator Derryn Hinch some time to learn the ropes of parliament.

Senator Hinch has been at the centre of criticism over his backflip on the backpacker tax, blindsiding the government by voting against its 15 percent tax rate despite earlier backing an even higher 19 percent.

But Senator Xenophon believes parliament just needs to give his crossbench colleague some time.

"He is still new in this business… I'm sure he will master parliamentary procedure and all that goes with it," the South Australian senator told ABC TV this morning.

"I just think give him a break."

Senator Xenophon added that Senator Hinch had done “exceptionally well brokering a number of concessions during his negotiations”.