Stephen Parry

Stephen Shane Parry (born 31 October 1960) is an Australian politician who was a Liberal Party senator for Tasmania from 2005 to 2017. He was elected President of the Senate in 2014. On 31 October 2017, Parry informed the government that he may be a British citizen, and issued his intention to resign from his position if dual nationality was confirmed. The next day he reported that he had received confirmation of his dual citizenship and, on 2 November, he resigned as president and from the Senate. He was replaced in the Senate by next Liberal Party Tasmanian Senate candidate and former senator Richard Colbeck after a recount.

Career Parry was employed as an officer with the Tasmanian Police from 1977 to 1986, and was promoted to detective in 1983. After leaving the police force, he completed a certificate in Mortuary Science at the Australian College of Funeral Service, and was a funeral director from 1986 to 2004, becoming president of the Australian Funeral Directors Association.

Parry performed a significant role in the wake of the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, acting as the Team Leader of the Embalming Team. Parry was also president of the Burnie Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 2000 to 2004, and a director of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry from 2000 to 2005.

Parry's senate position was filled by Richard Colbeck who was sworn in on 12 February 2018.

Post-politics In 2019, Parry was appointed to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal as a part-time member with an initial term of seven years.

On 15 June 2024, Parry was announced as the Liberal Party candidate for the Liberal-held seat of Montgomery in the Tasmanian Legislative Council for the 2025 periodic election, but was ultimately unsuccessful.

On 13 June 2025, Parry was announced as part of the Liberal Party slate for the seat of Braddon in the Tasmanian House of Assembly for the 2025 snap election, but was again unsuccessful.