Emotional Fielding farewells parliament

A NSW Labor senator delivered a parting shot at the state's machine men yesterday, as Family First's Steve Fielding said goodbye.

AN outgoing NSW Labor senator delivered a parting shot at the state's machine men yesterday, as Family First's Steve Fielding farewelled the parliament, saying his struggles with learning difficulties had made him a stronger person.

Senator Steve Hutchins used his valedictory speech to savage former comrades, saying they had "terminally damaged" the Labor Party's brand in NSW.

"What was once the most durable and effective state government in the country is now a depleted husk of an opposition," Senator Hutchins said.

The 40-year veteran of the NSW Right accused former ALP secretary Karl Bitar of "treachery" and state Opposition Leader John Robertson of undermining an elected government to further the interests of the Electrical Trades Union and its patrons.

Citing Mr Robertson's role in blocking electricity privatisation by the Iemma government, while head of Unions NSW, Senator Hutchins said it was ironic that "the man that destroyed Labor in power is the party's leader in opposition".

He also revealed that when he was suffering from cancer, former ALP secretary Eric Roozendaal made him stand for preselection against senator John Faulkner.

Victoria's Senator Fielding became emotional when he reflected on his personal struggle with dyslexia. The one-term senator encouraged others with learning difficulties to also strive for success.

"Remember, you get stronger by swimming against the tide than swimming with it," he said.

The enigmatic politician, known for colourful stunts and who landed the balance of power after Kevin Rudd's election victory, made light of his decision to strip to the waist in 2008 and protest for a rise to the aged pension.

His parliamentary colleagues were quick to sound their agreement when he conceded it was "not a pretty stunt".

Invoking his political hero, Democrats founder Don Chipp, Senator Fielding said the Greens could "never be trusted" with the balance of power in the Senate.

And he said the flow of boats to Australia needed to be stopped on compassionate grounds.

"As long as we keep accepting these refugees . . . we will be a partner in this deadly game of Russian roulette. We must stop the boats for humane reasons, regardless of the politics of both sides."