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"If you'll forgive me, I have this vague hope of achieving some sort of political immortality."
So said Tony Abbott at the unveiling of the ex-prime minister's portrait by former newspaper cartoonist Johannes Leak at Parliament House in Canberra.
The painting joins parliament's historic memorials collection, the country's longest-running commissioning art program, and becomes a permanent fixture of what Leak described as "the beating heart of democracy".
Mr Abbott led the coalition to a landslide election victory over Labor in 2013, before being ousted by Malcolm Turnbull in a leadership spill in 2015.
"Because of the circumstances of politics I never had the chance to give a valedictory speech," Mr Abbott said.
He thanked members of the crowd, including his family, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and former prime minister Scott Morrison, who only moments later was formally censured by the parliament for his secret ministries.
"All prime ministers form the most exclusive club that weather the storms of the past and the storms to come," he said.
Mr Abbott commissioned Leak for the portrait in 2021, when it was revealed the former cartoonist would be paid more than $40,000 for his work.
"I hope I have been able to capture some of those facets of this genuine down-to-earth politician and man," Leak said.
Mr Albanese also thanked Mr Abbott for his leadership, in particular his work in finding justice for the victims of flight MH17, which was shot down by Russian forces killing 27 Australians.
"We may have had our differences, but you have my respect," Mr Albanese said.
