While most retiring politicians are keen to get out of Canberra as fast as possible, outgoing minister Bill Shorten's new role will keep him in the nation's capital for a while longer.
After calling time on a 17-year career in federal parliament, Mr Shorten announced he would soon take on the role of vice-chancellor at the University of Canberra.
He said it was "ironic": he was staying in Canberra, but it had become a second city for him after his native Melbourne.
"Despite all the sort of usual negative propaganda ... (MPs) get in before the sun's up, they work 12, 14 hours, it can be a very tough environment, lot of backstabbing, lot of hard work," he told Melbourne radio station 3AW on Friday.
"This is not the bit of Canberra I'm going to hang out in. Working at a university, helping young people (and) helping researchers, I don’t intend to hang out in Parliament House."
Mr Shorten will take on the academic role from February, but has vowed to use his remaining months in parliament to ensure reforms to the NDIS are carried out.
Despite the long hours and nights spent away from his family, Mr Shorten said it was a privilege to have served in the parliament and "wouldn't hand a single day back".
"If there are attributes which got you to somewhere, then try and retain some of that," he told ABC Radio.
"That doesn't mean don't listen. That doesn't mean be arrogant. But back yourself.
"I've reached a point where just say what you think, and if you don't believe something, shut up. Don't fake it."
Thanking his constituents, Mr Shorten ended the radio interview with the Spanish farewell "hasta la vista".
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton praised Mr Shorten's service to the nation.
"Our country’s been the net beneficiary from having Bill in public life," Mr Dutton told Nine's Today program on Friday.
"I know that he contributed significantly, particularly when he was opposition leader to national security debates, which are ultimately the most important thing that we can do for our country.
"He’s been somebody who when you shake his hand or you have a conversation, you do a deal, he honours it."
Changes to the NDIS passed parliament in August, which limited spending growth to eight per cent per year, following concerns costs were increasing too quickly.
People with disabilities who use the scheme will face more stringent requirements for funding.
People with Disability Australia acting chief executive Megan Spindler-Smith said Mr Shorten's role in helping to create the NDIS would be a part of his political legacy.
"It is our sincere hope that this commitment to collaboration continues and deepens with any ministerial appointment to this portfolio in future," she said.
Australian Workers Union national secretary Paul Farrow said Mr Shorten had left a large legacy.
Mr Shorten served as the head of the union before entering parliament.
"Bill led the union in defining moments, including the collapse of Ansett and the Beaconsfield mine disaster," Mr Farrow said.
"His leadership during these crises showed his relentless drive to support workers and ensure their rights were defended."
