Derryn Hinch has admitted to catching some shut eye on his first day in parliament but still backs easing strict still photography rules in the Senate.

“I’m guilty as charged,” the new senator told 3AW radio, adding that he dozed off for a couple of seconds during the governor-general’s ceremonial address on Tuesday.

As it stands, photographs can only be taken of the senator who has the call in the Senate, unlike in the House of Representatives, where photos can be taken of any MP at any time.

“People have a right to see exactly what is happening on both sides of the parliament,” Mr Hinch told reporters on Friday.

“If you get caught nibbling your ear wax or counting your money or dozing, tough.”

Liberal senator Eric Abetz said he was not fussed one way or the other about photographers but said the former broadcaster was still in a media mindset compared to a political one and it would be interesting to see how that developed over time.

Senator Hinch later tweeted a photo of himself with wide-open eyes in the Senate chamber on Wednesday morning.

“Taken the NoDoze. 1st person into empty Senate today. No cameras. Bugger,” he wrote.

Taken the NoDoze. 1st person into empty Senate today. No cameras .Bugger. pic.twitter.com/5eRDBE27sk

— Derryn Hinch (@HumanHeadline) August 30, 2016

Labor leader in the Senate Penny Wong isn’t concerned about changes to photography rules.

“I’ve got plenty of bad photos out there on the internet so, I’m not so worried,” she told reporters in Canberra.