Macfarlane calls time on politics

Time waits for no man, especially someone who was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer at the age of 47.

Now, for 60-year-old former minister Ian Macfarlane, it's time to leave politics.

Delivering his valedictory speech on Thursday, the Liberal MP said his decision to quit federal parliament after 18 years was "agonising".

"There's never been a good time to leave parliament," he said.

"Time waits for no man though, particularly someone who had laryngeal cancer at 47 and is now 60."

Mr Macfarlane spoke of how he came to Canberra with a "burning passion" to represent not only his Queensland electorate but all of regional Australia.

He thanked his "greatest asset", his staff - Team M.

"I was never afraid to hire advisers who were smarter than me," he admitted.

The MP praised his family, from whom he has learnt so much.

His father, who encouraged him to be a politician - a job he never aspired to do.

His mother, who told him to stick to the facts and speak in words everyone can understand.

His sister, who made him keep his standards high.

His brother, whose "unlucky life" taught him to never complain about the cards you are dealt.

Mr Macfarlane said he'd walked the political road together with his wife and daughters.

For more than 30 years of public life his daughters had seen him walk in and out of their lives on a weekly basis, while their mother Karen performed miracles.

"We end our political life content with what we've done," he said.

"I never wanted to die wondering what could be done to make Australia a better place and I have to say I've given it all I've got."

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised Mr Macfarlane for his forward thinking.

"He saw the long-range and he went for it," he told parliament, describing him as "a great Australian, a great friend".

Labor frontbencher Gary Gray said Australia had greatly benefited from Mr Macfarlane's contribution.

The member for Groom has held the seat for 18 years, nine of which he spent as a minister.

He unsuccessfully attempted to defect to the Nationals late in 2015.