Pyne bids adieu to ‘best and worst in this unnatural place’

Christopher Pyne bows out of federal politics with a valedictory speech for the ages | WATCH

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne has bowed out of federal politics with a valedictory speech for the ages.

“To the chagrin of a few and the joy of many — maybe even some in this place — I am retiring from parliament,” the member for Sturt declared yesterday afternoon.

Reflecting on his 26-year career­ in the corridors of power, Mr Pyne’s voice broke and he fought back tears as he thanked his colleagues. But the man considered one of the eminent orators in the building did not disappoint.

“I’ve had a fortunate life. I do not have a log cabin story like so many people in this place, although­ I once did have to get my own lemon for a gin and tonic,” he mused to uproarious laughter. “That may or may not qualify.”

The self-declared “fixer” who described leadership spills as “just another day in paradise” named the establishment of national youth mental health foundation Headspace in 2006 as a highlight of his political career.

“I once described this house as my natural habitat — you are all my fellow species in this unnatural place. This place brings out the best of us and it brings out the worst in us. I’ve seen some truly dreadful people come through here over the last quarter of a century­, Mr Speaker. It’s true, though! But I’ve seen many more outstanding people, Mr Speaker, includ­ing my current colleagues.”

Mr Pyne said he relished his time as a part of politics and a part of history. “To get the chance to influenc­e the society in which we live, to make a difference in the lives of our fellow citizens, is worth the sacrifices.”

He said he would miss his role as Leader of the House and the “stage of the dispatch box”, which had given him an outlet for “amateu­r thespianism” and sparring matches with the opposition.

“Like the member of Grayndler (Anthony Albanese), I’m a team man. I just happen to go for the team that is the election-winning machine.”

There was one notable absentee — former foreign minister Julie Bishop. Mr Pyne famously sided with Scott Morrison in August­'s Liberal leadership spill, despite his factional alignment and long friendship with Ms Bishop­. It is understood she had to leave early to get back to Perth.

Labor frontbencher Tony Burke praised Mr Pyne for his love of the parliament. “The Leader of the House has been better than almost any of us at having moment­s where a bit of grace and a bit of levity­ is thrown in,” Mr Burke said.

“He has referred to the ‘stage’ of this parliament. I do not think anyone sees it as a stage quite the way the Leader of the House does.

“Wherever your career takes you, particularly if you are there at an awards night, receiving a Logie award for your future theatrical performances, please remember, we were all there with you at the beginning’’

Earlier, former cabinet minister Steven Ciobo used his last speech to reflect on his track record of backing the runner-up in leadership contests during his 17 years in parliament — including the recent spill when he supported Peter Dutton. The member for Moncrieff, also retiring, said his Liberal colleagues would shift uncomfortably when they realised they were backing a Ciobo horse. “It’s the reverse­ Sleeping Beauty fairytale; my kiss could put someone to politica­l sleep for 100 years.”