THE national political landscape has morphed into a “win at all costs” spectacle in the past 18 years and is barely recognisable to that which existed when Ian Macfarlane first took office.

In his valedictory speech before the House of Representatives this morning, the outgoing Groom MP reflected on his political longevity, his unwavering support base and the difficulties - but importance - of bipartisanship.

“Bipartisanship is not the norm in 2015,” the veteran MP said.

“The fierceness of the personal politics and the lack of respect for others’ views combined with a win at all costs/winner take all politics may provide a spectacle for the media but it is destroying public confidence in our institution.

“Is it any wonder then when politicians regularly denigrate their political opponents and the media are only too happy to join in, we now find ourselves being referred to as clowns and this place as a circus.”

Mr Macfarlane thanked his family for standing by him in public office since he was elected to the Queensland Graingrowers Association State Council more than 30 years ago.

“To my daughters Kate and Laura and wife Karen. We have walked this road together every step of the way,” he said.

“For all of (Kate’s) 31 and half years and Laura’s 28, they’ve watched me walk in and out of their lives on a weekly basis while their mother Karen performed miracles and was the bedrock, cornerstone and glue that kept us all together while we dealt with all that was thrown at us.

“My life in politics has been an enjoyable and fulfilling time but it hasn’t been without its sacrifices and ups and downs.”

The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, he said, came to fruition thanks to his Cabinet positions and “close relationship” with former prime ministers John Howard and Tony Abbott.

Current Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull rated a mention at the end of this address, long after Mr Macfarlane thanked his dedicated staffers and particularly those who served in his office in his 2001 - 2004 term when the farmer from Boondooma was recovering from “laryngeal cancer for the greater part of 2003”.

“I would like to thank the people of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs for the near two decades of support you have given me as your representative in this Parliament,” he said.

Mr Macfarlane will leave parliament at the end of this term, capping off more than 30 years in public life and almost 18 years as the Member for Groom.

He held various Cabinet and shadow cabinet positions, most recently as Science and Industry Minister, from which he stood aside as Mr Turnbull gained top office late last year.