AN emotional Zed Seselja has officially farewelled the ACT Legislative Assembly as he prepares to fight in the Federal election campaign.

With his family members watching on, the ACT Liberal senate candidate and former opposition leader spoke of the challenge of leading and rebuilding the Canberra Liberal Party in his valedictory speech.

“The ACT is not an easy place for the Liberal Party,” he said.

“We start from behind and have to work much harder than our opponents.”

Seselja said his most notable achievements included fighting for the outer suburbs of Canberra, which he believes are often left behind, and pursuing housing affordability.

“Without the security of home ownership, the future is uncertain and the wheel of dependency can seem unending,” he said.

“The Government certainly shouldn’t ignore or dismiss people who, despite working two or three jobs, still can’t get ahead in a town that prides itself on affluence.

“For many that dream of owning a home is getting harder and harder to achieve and the problem is ignored. I’ve never ignored it and will continue fighting to bring back that dream.”

Seselja said it was a “daunting and exciting” moment when he was elected opposition leader of the Canberra Liberal Party in 2007, at just 30 years old.

“We worked out guts out, just to re-establish our value in the community,” he said.

“Morale lifted and so did the performances. Slowly and surely, the people came back to the party. From our low moment in 2007, we came ahead and the Liberal Party won the popular vote in 2012. We won the highest vote for the Brindabella party in history, and I’m proud I was a part of that.”

Speaker and fellow Canberra Liberal Party member Vicki Dunne wiped away tears as Seselja paid tribute to her “loyal service.”

“Thank you for your support and friendship…you are one of the true believers of ACT politics and it was one of my proudest moments when you became speaker,” he said.

Seselja choked up as he spoke about his family.

“To my children, thank you for providing a pleasant distraction from my campaign and bringing so much joy to my life,” he said.

“I hope to help shape Canberra into a better city for you, and your children.

“To my wife Ros, all I can say is that you are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. The term ‘punching above my weight’ has applied to me.”

Opposition leader Jeremy Hanson said Seselja “would have made a brilliant Chief Minister” and commended him for “turning the Liberal Party around.”

“You were the right choice for Canberra…the qualities you have brought to this place have been exceptional,” he said.

“Your values, your intellect, your ability to win an argument…you very rarely made a bad decision. You have shaped the values for the Liberal Party in this place.”

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher also paid tribute to Seselja, commenting on his strength and contributions to the life of the assembly.

“This place will not be the same without you,” Gallagher said.

“I urge Mr Seselja to be a strong voice for Canberra within the federal Liberal Party. There are some core issues for our issue for our city that should sit above politics.”

Seselja will officially depart the Assembly on Tuesday June 11.