Tassie recruit boosts Turnbull Senate team

THE STATE OF AUSTRALIA'S SENATE

* Tasmanian independent Steve Martin joined the Nationals on Monday.

* In a full Senate of 76, the government needs 39 votes to pass legislation.

* That relies on finding eight votes from outside the coalition.

* There are 10 crossbench senators. Three from One Nation, two from Centre Alliance and independents Tim Storer, Fraser Anning, David Leyonhjelm, Cory Bernardi and Derryn Hinch

* Labor will return to 26 senators when David Smith, who is replacing Katy Gallagher after the High Court ruled her ineligible, is sworn in next month.

THE NUMBERS TODAY

* Coalition - 31

* Labor - 25

* Greens - 9

* Independents and parties with one senator - 5

* Pauline Hanson's One Nation - 3

* Centre Alliance (Nick Xenophon Team) - 2

* Vacancies - 1