Sunday will be a bittersweet moment for John Williams as he goes from senator to citizen after 11 successful years.
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Better known as 'Wacka', he took time to reflect on his years in politics, where his biggest achievement was the way he pushed, for nine years, for a royal commission into banking.
In January 2009, Senator Williams met a group of Redcliff retirees who had lost their savings in the Storm Financial collapse.
"It was a huge mess and I promised them a parliamentary inquiry which we put in place. With that came the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) legislation where financial planners must put the interest of their client first."
In 2011, he launched an inquiry into the banking system, asking one bank boss "why did your bank give a 30-year loan to a 97-year-old lady in an aged care facility?"
"In 2013 I launched an inquiry into ASIC, the corporate watch dog, and we recommended an Royal Commission out of that."
He was also involved in launching inquiries into liquidators, life insurance and franchising.
But the best part of his political career?
"My wife Nancy has never had to put her head on the pillow at night and say 'why did Wacka say that? He's made a total fool of himself'. When it comes to political landmines, I've fortunately dodged all of them."
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After moving from South Australia to Inverell, he had joined Apex.
"I was twice district governor of Apex and when 1995 came I turned 40. In those days you had to leave Apex at 40. I was granted life membership of Sapphire City Apex Club."
With Apex behind him, Senator Williams devoted more time to the Nationals - he had been a member since 1982 - climbing the ladder from secretary to branch treasurer, branch chairman and then Northern Tablelands electorate chair.
He was then appointed central council executive, the highest governing body at a state level.
In 2006, when preparing for the 2007 election, Wacka put up his hand to run for pre-selection for the senate.
"I challenged sitting senator Sandy Macdonald and was successful in defeating him 39 to 27 was the vote," he said.
From July onward, Wacka will retire freeing up time to focus on his wife, children, grandchildren and the farm.
He thanked Inverell's community for the continuous support shown throughout his 11-year career.
"I've been very fortunate to go into Parliament when I wanted and I'm leaving when I want to leave."
