Controversial crossbencher David Leyonhjelm took a parting shot at the government in his final speech to the Senate.
The sole Liberal Democrats senator is calling time on his federal political career to try his luck in the NSW election, believing his goal of "beating back the nanny state" can be better achieved at a state level.
In his valedictory speech to the upper house on Wednesday, Senator Leyonhjelm criticised the revolving door of prime ministers during his five years in federal politics.
"When I was elected, Tony Abbott was prime minister. Then came Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison," he said.
"I kept hoping there might be changes in approach. It's true the rhetoric changed a bit and there was a bit of a difference in emphasis, but in reality, there's been no deviation from the big spending, big taxing approach to government."
Senator Leyonhjelm said he was naive at first to assume all politicians were principled.
"It saddens me that people regularly tell me privately how much they agree with me, but then vote for something completely contradictory," he said.
"I am so glad I haven't had to abandon my beliefs in order to retain my seat and salary."
He also dubbed Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young his "new best friend".
Senator Hanson-Young, who was not in the chamber during the speech, is suing Senator Leyonhjelm for defamation.
Reflecting on his time in parliament, Senator Leyonhjelm said he was proud to say he never voted for an increase in taxes or for anything that would reduce personal freedoms.
He said if elected to the NSW upper house on March 24, he will tackle "nanny state" laws around liquor licensing, where smoking is allowed, vaping, gambling, lock-outs and voluntary assisted suicide.
Australian Associated Press
