For 32 years Ricky Muir didn't own a suit and nor did he want to.
He pinches himself regularly now as he pulls one on and exercises his crucial vote in the upper house of the federal parliament.
It's been eight months since the country-Victorian bloke travelled to the nation's capital for his first day as a senator.
His journey from timber mill worker to politician was obvious as he delivered his maiden speech on Thursday.
The senator's introduction to voters was, well, a little embarrassing - a dated YouTube video of him flinging kangaroo poo.
Then there was "that" interview with veteran television journalist Mike Willesee when the Motoring Enthusiast Party representative tripped up on basic policy issues like saving the auto parts and accessories industry.
Proving he's clearly more comfortable with political office these days, Senator Muir repeatedly joked about the experience on Thursday.
He thanked Willesee for teaching him a valuable lesson.
"That is to be myself," he said.
It's his suit, not his job, that appears to make the senator the most uncomfortable.
He'd be happier addressing the nation's parliament in jeans and a t-shirt, or even a hi-vis vest and steel cap boots.
"I wear this suit out of great respect for this chamber and the position I hold."
That position has enabled him to save renewable energy body ARENA and achieve his political career highlight of preventing 31 asylum-seeker children and their families being sent to Nauru.
"I still pinch myself on a regular basis to make sure I'm not dreaming," Senator Muir said.
"I wear this suit out of great respect for this chamber and the position I hold."
Having left school at 15, after repeating kindergarten twice for being antisocial, he worked several jobs in manufacturing, farming, baking and forestry.
He grew up below the poverty line and believes anyone who thinks $20 a week is just a packet of cigarettes or a couple of beers has never lived in the real word.
Senator Muir was elected with the smallest-ever primary vote of 0.51 per cent.
He used his rare chance to speak to a silent chamber to throw a few jabs at the government, rejecting accusations the Senate presented a "dysfunctional and unworkable" hurdle.
"Perhaps people are getting the Senate and the government confused."
The senator didn't shy away from policy either. It's simple: bad ideas won't get support. Good ones will.
But regardless of good or bad policy, he believes normal Joes like himself are needed in parliament or it risks representative democracy becoming void.
The 34-year-old wrapped up with another sign of his newly-found comfort in the chamber, addressing each of his five children individually and without a script.
Tears streamed down the face of his wife Kerrie-Anne.
And then this: "Don't judge me by what I say, judge me by what I do."
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