A retiring Liberal MP has thrown his support behind Scott Morrison against allegations of bullying.
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Steve Irons, who has represented the marginal Western Australia seat of Swan since 2007, said the prime minister had always supported him with friendship and advice.
"Anyone out there listening: this man is not a bully and anyone who calls him that has got it totally wrong," he said during his valedictory speech to parliament on Thursday.
During his parliamentary career Mr Irons has been an advocate for survivors of institutional abuse, helping many access redress following the royal commission.
"The sharing of stories meant (survivors) lived through the trauma again and it meant a lot to me that they were prepared to share it with me. I believe them and their tragic stories," he said.
"My involvement has been a personal one, as I spent time in institutions as a child as did two of my biological siblings who were abused and both have passed away."
Labor hopes to win Mr Irons' seat at the next election, but he does not think it will be successful.
"I've been very pleased to disappoint (Labor) for five terms and hope I've given the people of Swan enough reason to continue voting for the Liberals," he said.
Party colleague Scott Buchholz said Mr Irons' experience as a professional Australian rules football player in the WAFL and electrician before entering politics had served him well during his time in parliament.
"He has always been a grounded soul," Mr Buchholz said.
Australian Associated Press
