But the Jesuit-educated veteran Liberal politician made no mention of the one aspect of his career that has rocketed him to prominence more than any other: his starring role in the Independent Commission Against Corruption's inquiry into political donations.

As he addressed the Legislative Assembly, sitting opposite him were his fellow Central Coast MPs Darren Webber and Chris Spence, who also stand accused at ICAC of involvement in one of the largest political scandals of recent decades.

Mr Hartcher is alleged to have been the mastermind of a scheme to funnel tens of thousands of dollars in illegal donations to them and other MPs before the 2011 state election.

Notably, neither Premier Mike Baird nor his predecessor, Barry O'Farrell, made the trip into the chamber to hear the speech, although new Nationals leader Troy Grant and his predecessor Andrew Stoner sat behind Mr Hartcher as he spoke.

In what appeared to be a final act of defiance against the media, which have enthusiastically covered his recent troubles, Mr Hartcher denied a request to be photographed while delivering his valedictory address.

During 20 minutes, the former minister and member for Terrigal, who is retiring at next year's election, reminded the house he was its longest-serving Liberal MP.

He recounted his role in building up Liberal forces on the central coast and how he invited former police minister Mike Gallacher into the party.

He recalled with pride his role with the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and how he was chosen as Australia's representative in Greece to receive the Olympic flame.

He raised a laugh when recounting with pride the number of times he had been the subject of ALP censure and gag motions.

The only concession to his ICAC troubles appeared to come in a line he has used before.

"As a member of Parliament I always took the view ... when you put the jersey on and you run on the field, expect to get tackled," Mr Hartcher told the chamber.

"And let me tell you, I've been tackled."