Former prime minister Kevin Rudd announced his retirement from politics in an emotional speech to Parliament on Wednesday night, adding "it really is time for me to zip".
Mr Rudd, who has served as the Member for Griffith since 1998, says he will leave Parliament at the end of this week.
"This has been the product of much soul-searching for us as a family over the last few months," he said, fighting back tears.
Kevin Rudd
•Born September 21, 1957
•Elected as MP for Griffith in 1998
•Elected opposition leader in December, 2006
•Elected prime minister in December, 2007
•Ousted by Julia Gillard in June 2010
•Foreign minister from September 2010 to February 2012
•Sworn in as PM again on June 27, 2013
•Defeated in federal election on September 7, 2013
•Announces his retirement from Parliament on November 13, 2013
"The decision that I have made has not been taken lightly.
"But for me, my family is everything, always has been, always will be, which is why I will not be continuing as a member of this Parliament beyond this week."
Mr Rudd, who served in the top job between 2007 and 2010, and then again this year, went on to wish Tony Abbott luck, saying the office of Prime Minister was the "hardest job in the land".
"I wish Tony, his wife Margie and their family all the best for the rigours of high office that inevitably lie ahead," he said.
On his side of politics he singled out Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, as well as key supporters Anthony Albanese and Chris Bowen.
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"Having served as Leader of the Opposition myself, this is never a position for the faint-hearted. There are always long dark nights of the soul but believe it or not, morning does come, often sooner than you think," he said.
"Bill brings great strength to the position. I have every confidence he will lead Labor's return to the Treasury benches.
"I wish to thank Albo as his extraordinary service as deputy prime minister and leader of the house. Albo is the most formidable parliamentarian in this place, as is recognised on both sides of the chamber."
When speaking of his future Mr Rudd said he was planning to establish a "national apology foundation", highlighting his apology to Indigenous Australians, which he said was a signature achievement of his time as prime minister.
He also spoke of his desire to remain active in the international community.
My family is everything, always has been, always will be, which is why I will not be continuing as a member of this Parliament beyond this week.
Kevin Rudd
"I am passionately Australian and passionately a citizen of the world. I intend to be active in the international community in areas where I can make a genuine contribution to peace and stability, global economic governance and sustainable development, including climate change," he said.
And despite the emotion of the situation, Mr Rudd ended the speech with his signature sign-off.
"On this final occasion in the Parliament, and as is now officially recorded in the classics for occasions such as this, it really is time for me to zip," he said.
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