The LNP MP who posed with his member in a glass of red wine for a photo he sent to his mistress has blamed the media for the end of his parliamentary career.
Outgoing Redlands MP Peter Dowling, who has not publicly admitted any regret over his actions which eventually led to LNP branch members voting not to support him in his bid for pre-selection, labelled the media "largely invisible" and "non-accountable" for its part in exposing his affair and plonking behaviour in his parliamentary office.
"It is true that for so many and various reasons, we each do things that disappoint ourselves and our loved ones," he told Parliament during his valedictory speech.
"As politicians, we are held to account, whether or not any particular action or event is relevant to our roles as representatives or of the community or not."
"But like politicians, journalists too hold positions of great trust in the community and should uphold the highest possible standards of commitment to truth, objectivity and relevance," he said, adding that journalists did not "face their constituency every three years".
While the majority of MPs left in the chamber to hear Mr Dowling's speech looked down at their papers and smart devices, he thanked his wife Helen, who stood by Mr Dowling as he lost his branch's support.
"To my wife, Helen, who has put up with so much - her strength, love, courage, support over the 15 years... I don't know where her strength comes from or how or why she's put up with it all, but I thank you for being there," he said.
He also took the time to speak of the pride he felt at his career, having described his youth as "trouble looking for a place to happen".
"This is only the close on another chapter in my life - nothing more, nothing less," he also said.
"I am immensely proud of my life's journey."
His speech stood in stark contrast to the emotion David Gibson evoked, which led to fellow retiring member Vaughan Johnson to stand behind him in support.
Mr Gibson made the decision to not re-contest his seat of Gympie at the next election, after a political rival published information related to his past which was protected under the Rehabilitated Offenders Act.
The ensuing fallout led to Mr Gibson suffering a nervous breakdown, which he has since spoken openly about, and a decision to look after his family, friends and health above politics.
"It is unfortunate that a very small, pathetic group bent on power and having control have done so much to damage the party locally," he said.
"I'd like to think because of my Christian values I am a forgiving individual, and whilst I struggle to understand why some individuals on your own side would attack you in such a way, I can accept that as part of public life.
"However, what I cannot forgive is what they did to my family and, in particular, what they did to my children as a result of their quest for power at all costs."
Mr Gibson left the Parliament urging it to treat members kindly and to remember its purpose, mentioning his disgust with how the civil partnerships bill descended "into political rancour...it was evident we had forgotten we were talking about people" and the "grubbiness" of the Redcliffe by-election.
"I have no regrets from my time in politics, just lessons learned," he said.
Premier Campbell Newman made special mention of both Mr Dowling and Mr Gibson as he paid tribute to the retiring and outgoing members of Parliament.
"Politics today is a tough game and these two honourable members, perhaps more than most in this place, know how tough and relentless and unforgiving it can be," he said.
