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Conformism plagues both sides of politics, retiring Labor MP Laurie Ferguson says, and after 26 years in Federal Parliament he is looking forward to being "totally unemployed".
Following Saturday's election, the straight-talking Mr Ferguson is one of more than 20 retiring parliamentarians making the transition to civilian life – joining those who were dumped by voters.
Mr Ferguson offered a few words of advice for incoming MPs.
"It's important for the country that some people exert an independent position of their own. Don't get intimidated by the media or the parties," he said.
"I've seen in the last few years, both sides of politics go out in the morning in Canberra and read prepared statements, everyone toes the line, there's no room because journalists … try and pick any kind of division and debate in the party as a crisis.
"You have all this conformism on both sides of politics … I don't mind being away from it, quite frankly."
Mr Ferguson, who is about to turn 64, is happily vacating the seat of Werriwa in Sydney's south-west – and has no fear of developing the so-called "relevance deprivation syndrome" that strikes some relinquishing their place in the spotlight.
"I have plans to be totally unemployed. I have no desire to be a consultant or to be involved [in politics] anywhere," said Mr Ferguson, with the exception of local branches. He has already stocked up on magazines and travel books, and hopes to span time indulging his fascination with Iceland.
The Labor stalwart wanted to retire in 2013 but "went one more time" for the sake of the party, which was facing an electoral rout.
But the prospect of travelling to Canberra each Sunday night before sitting weeks increasingly "became very unattractive".
And when many friends and close political associates retired or were defeated at the 2013 election, his social circle in Canberra narrowed.
"I never lost my interest in the electoral office – I like handling the constituency problems of people – but the actual parliamentary process really lost its attraction," Mr Ferguson said, lamenting the focus on political strategy and salesmanship.
"I've become a bit disillusioned with the mentality of people in political parties … it's all about how you manipulate the electorate rather than providing a service from the electoral office."
Victorian Liberal MP Andrew Robb is also retiring after 12 years in Federal Parliament, including a term as trade minister.
He is establishing a trade and investment consultancy aimed at companies at home and elsewhere in Asia, leveraging the relationships and knowledge he gained in politics.
The 64-year-old, who has fought depression, is "quite excited" about the next stage of his life, in which he also hopes to advocate for the non-profit mental health sector.
Mr Robb conceded that social media and the 24-7 news cycle had forced a higher level of discipline on parliamentarians, whose loose comments can now go off "like a bushfire".
But he insisted Parliament was still filled with strong-minded people who robustly expressed opinions in the party room.
If he'll miss anything, it's the responsibility of making big decisions on behalf of the nation. But the trade-off was regaining "control of your life".
"Especially as a minister – every minute of every day … is controlled," he said.
"[I'm enjoying] simple things like walking down the street and thinking 'I'll just go and have a coffee for 20 minutes', and I can."
