New senator McKim from Tas nears Canberra

Nick McKim is a step closer to taking his seat in the federal Senate after being given the green light by the Tasmanian parliament to move from state politics.

A joint sitting of the Tasmanian parliament on Wednesday approved the former state Greens MP's nomination to replace retiring Senator Christine Milne.

All that remains is for Mr McKim's official Canberra swearing which the party hopes might happen as soon as Thursday.

Ms Milne tendered her resignation to the Senate on August 10.

She announced her retirement in May and immediately stepped down as party leader.

Mr McKim received overwhelming support from Tasmanian Greens members to take the Canberra job.

He has subsequently been replaced in the state's lower house by Rosalie Woodruff who took her affirmation on Wednesday.