Former treasurer Joe Hockey has used his last speech in parliament to call on both sides of politics to jam shut the revolving door of political leaders.
Rapid and unpredictable changes of government had dramatically weakened public policy.
"We cannot make it normal to have four prime ministers and four treasurers in just four years," he told parliament on Wednesday.
Mr Hockey paid tribute to former prime minister Tony Abbott, describing him as one of the "most selfless, hard-working and honourable people I have ever met".
"I say directly to the Australian people that the real Tony Abbott is more of a good and decent man than you may know."
Mr Hockey insisted the Abbott government was good at policy but struggled with politics.
"I admit that we could have done more to win over third-party endorsements and to win over the Senate, and we could have done more to win over the Australian people."
Mr Hockey believes he honoured the commitment he made on his first day in federal parliament by making a contribution to the future of Australia.
He tabled a "report card" for his North Sydney electorate listing his achievements over a 20-year career.
Mr Hockey reflected on the challenges of being a politician and being away from his wife Melissa and three children.
"Last Monday was Iggy's sixth birthday and I've missed every single one of his birthdays. I won't miss another one."
Mr Hockey's family was in the chamber to hear his final speech along with dozens of MPs from all sides of politics, including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten.
Former Liberal leader Brendan Nelson was also present.
Mr Hockey lost his job as treasurer after the Liberal leadership change in September.
There is strong speculation he will be appointed Australia's next ambassador to the US.
Mr Hockey rounded out his speech with a piece of advice to both the parliament and his children.
"It is far better to dream mighty things, to seek glorious triumphs even though checkered by failure, than to be amongst those poor souls who neither suffer much, nor enjoy much because they live in the great twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat."
Mr Hockey received a standing ovation before Mr Turnbull declared his party's admiration and love for the former treasurer.
"And you've executed every office you've had ... with great passion, with imagination," the prime minister said.
He thanked the "sunny optimist" for his service and praised his frankness, honesty and courage to reveal exactly what he thought, especially to his leaders.
"You've done Australia proud," he said.
Mr Shorten said many of his Labor colleagues had good words to say about Mr Hockey.
"This is no ordinary day. You are no ordinary Joe," he said.
Share
