joined the chamber for the first time yesterday after his swearing in ceremony on Tuesday.

After taking the oath of allegiance, he took his seat in the place that Sen.

Gary Pitman -- who with his own elevation to Government Senate leader now sits on the right hand side of the President -- has vacated.

Sen. Pitman was the first to welcome the new Senator -- an investment manager -- and described him as a "welcome asset to the Government side'' with his expertise in finance.

Other Senators added their voices to the chorus of welcoming remarks and Sen.

Richards, in his first words in the chamber, expressed gratitude to the members of the Upper House and said he was looking forward to making a contribution to the Senate.