The 40-year-old Liberal candidate was pipped for the 21st and final spot by Mark Pearson of the Animal Justice Party.

The NSW Electoral Commission conducted the final distribution of preferences this morning following the March 28 poll.

Tamworth-based Nationals member Trevor Khan was the 16th person elected to the upper house for his second eight-year term.

The result gives the Coalition 20 of the chamber's 42 seats, leaving it to negotiate with two Christian Democrats on the passage of bills.

See tomorrow's edition of The Leader for the full story.