Nick McKim a step closer to Canberra

Senator-in-waiting Nick McKim has resigned from Tasmania's parliament as he nears taking the reins in the federal upper house from former Greens leader Christine Milne.

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission on Tuesday announced that Mr McKim, a state MP for the Hobart seat of Franklin since 2002, has tendered his resignation and a recount for his position will occur in late August after nominations are received from unsuccessful candidates at the 2014 state election.

Mr McKim's shift to federal parliament still needs to be approved by Tasmania's parliament.