Veteran MP Noreen Hay has farewelled NSW parliament, saying her resignation has nothing to do with alleged electoral fraud charges against one of her staffers.
"I'm sorry that you too have been pursued by the media because of your association with me," Ms Hay said, as she addressed long-time staffer Susan Greenhalgh during her valedictory speech to parliament on Thursday.
"I want the world to know that my decision to retire has nothing to do whatsoever to do with your case. I wish you well and hope that justice prevails."
The member for Wollongong was in May sacked from her position as opposition whip after Ms Greenhalgh was charged with electoral fraud by the Australian Federal Police.
At the time, Luke Foley threatened to resign as opposition leader unless she stood down.
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Ms Hay stepped down but remained defiant that she had nothing to do with the AFP investigation, before suddenly resigning from parliament on Monday.
Mr Foley was notably absent as Ms Hay farewelled parliament.
"I am going to resist the temptation to retaliate against those who would bring into question my integrity and honour," she told cross-party MP's, including Premier Mike Baird.
"For these people there is an adage about glass houses and stones which comes to mind."
Ms Hay said she had accomplished much but not all of what she set out to achieve as a representative of her south coast electorate for the past 13 years.
The sometimes controversial politician also called on the Labor Party to do more to promote and support female politicians.
"They should be encouraged and supported, particularly against character assassination and criticisms based on their looks and age," she said.
"After all madam speaker, many MPs here today would not be in parliament if the same criteria applied to them."
Ms Hay did not signal what her post-politics plans were, but said she was looking forward to spending time with her family.
"I leave with my honour, integrity and most importantly, my self respect intact," she said.
