Leyonhjelm cheekily welcomes new Speaker

Liberal Democratic senator David Leyonhjelm has cheekily welcomed Tony Smith's election as Speaker.

"Now he has a real job, we hope that he might leave the minor parties alone," Senator Leyonhjelm said on Monday, referring to Mr Smith's role as chair of parliament's joint standing committee on electoral matters.

The committee has recommended changes to the way senators are elected by reducing the impact of preferences that allow some independents to be elected with a tiny primary vote.