As Mr Latham wraps up his speech, he gives thanks to broadcaster and cookbook collaborator Alan Jones, who is sitting in the public gallery.

Mr Jones, he says, "gave me a chance when others wouldn't."

No stranger to defamation battles over some of his more inflammatory comments, Mr Latham also welcomed the protective shield of parliamentary privilege.

"Parliamentary privilege: what a beautiful thing," he says. "How did I ever let it go?"

He concludes by noting that his return to politics comes after a period of 14 years on the sidelines as a "home dad and a primary carer".

"The days and years with my children have been the best of my life," he says.