Family First's Steve Fielding has officially lost his Victorian Senate seat, the Australian Electoral Commission has confirmed today.

Senator Fielding, who came to power on the back of Labor preferences at the 2004 federal election, will not return to the upper house after July 2011, when a new Senate will sit.

Senator Steve Fielding campaigning in Cranbourne. Credit:Penny Stephens

Making his debut in the upper house will be Ballarat blacksmith John Madigan, who is set to become the first Democratic Labor Party senator in 36 years.

The Greens converted their rising popularity in Victoria to political gain with the election of doctor Richard Di Natale, while the Nationals also have a new senator in Bridget McKenzie.