Accidental senator Ricky Muir has bid a proud farewell to his rollercoaster ride in federal politics, happy that he "did not fall victim to the two-party political games" and reminding all voters that they are "entitled to a voice".
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And while the 35-year-old's three-year stint in Parliament was ended officially on Wednesday with the results of the double dissolution election finalised – Victorian voters voted in five Coalition Senators, four Labor, two Greens and Derryn Hinch – Mr Muir said he did not feel his political life was over.
There has been some speculation that he may make a run at Victorian or local politics and in a Facebook statement, he said "One way or another, I'll be back!"
The Gippsland man also warned major parties that it was clear the public was "sick of the mainstream political establishment and class".
Mr Muir shot from obscurity to political prominence in 2013 when the fledgling Motoring Enthusiast Party won the sixth Victorian Senate spot at the federal election on the back of lucrative preference arrangements.
Despite widespread criticism that he would not survive the rigours of Canberra, Mr Muir found his voice as a key crossbencher.
The now defeated Mr Muir said he had no regrets giving the government a double dissolution trigger by voting against the Turnbull government's plans to reinstate the building watchdog.
Mr Muir supported many union issues and describes himself as from working-class stock and "blue collar" – before life as a senator, Mr Muir worked as a supervisor in a sawmill.
"I can leave Parliament proud knowing that I gave it my best shot against the odds and did not fall victim to the two-party political games. There is a large portion of society who are sick of the mainstream political establishment and class," he said.
"It has been a rollercoaster ride one could never forget and one I will never regret."
Giving inspiration to people on the street was Mr Muir's greatest achievement.
"My proudest achievement is to hear people in the street say 'You gave me hope' or 'You influenced me to try'. There is nothing more heart-warming to hear these expressions and to realise that I am receiving them for simply being myself.
"If my legacy was to motivate people into having a go at whatever it is that they want to achieve, no matter whether people say they don't belong or have no chance, then I could achieve nothing more for the rest of my life and feel that my job is complete."
Regardless of a person's background, Mr Muir said, people were entitled to a voice.
"Using my own case as an example, you just never know what the outcome may be, just don't let anyone tell you that you can't!"
