Independent Senator Steve Martin, who replaced Jacqui Lambie, used his first speech in the upper house on Wednesday to target the indigenous code's governing body.

The former Devonport mayor wants a road map to getting a male and female team in the national competitions.

"Almost 30 years after the creation of the so-called national league, Tasmania remains without a team or even a general pathway. This is a disgrace," Senator Martin told parliament.

He said the AFL's refusal to base a team in Tasmania had deep social implications.

"In the cold financial calculus of the AFL, they have nothing to gain by fulfilling our dreams of a Tassie team," he said.

"This issue is about more than just football. It's about equality, community and national inclusion."

Sport Minister Bridget McKenzie backed Senator Martin's call for a Tasmanian football team, saying it needed to happen.

AFL boss Gillion McLachlan was in Tasmania on Wednesday, and said a team wouldn't be possible until after 2021.

On other issues, Senator Martin said the government needed to ensure strong diplomatic ties with China to protect the Tasmanian economy in agriculture and tourism.

Education is also a priority for the one-time Mexican restaurant owner who first got into politics in a bid to save a hospital in Tasmania.

"I will oppose any cuts to education, period," Senator Martin said.

Reflecting on the constitutional crisis which led to Jacqui Lambie getting the boot over her dual citizenship, Senator Martin welcomed the comparison to Bradbury, the iconic accidental Olympic gold medallist.

"We now have a small army of Bradburys in this chamber thanks to section 44 of the constitution," he said.

While he's still fresh to Canberra, Senator Martin was already talking up a victory in his first week after securing a $100,000 fruit fly support package for Fruit Growers Tasmania.

He outlined the potential for Tasmanian agriculture while stressing the need for stringent biosecurity measures to protect the sector.

Senator Martin fell out with Ms Lambie after he refused to stand aside to allow her return to the upper house, but thanked her for putting him second on the ticket at the 2016 election.

Australian Associated Press