Forty one years later, Wright would retire as clerk - the most senior official in the House of Representatives - with a standing ovation from MPs.

Wright had been clerk over one of the most contentious periods of Australian political history, from 2009 to 2013, providing independent advice about the workings of the House to all MPs during Labor leadership spills, the hung parliament and Peter Slipper scandal.

While Wright cannot reveal the discussions he had or the things he saw, he notes, "it was an extremely interesting time, and there was a level of uncertainty everyday".

After witnessing MPs from all walks of life up close, he says there is "a lot of good" at Parliament.

"I worry a bit about the sweeping dismissal of the place as hopeless and irrelevant. That's easy, but I think it's wrong and a bit dangerous."

Apart from his role as clerk, over four decades at Parliament, he was editor or assistant editor of five editions of the lower house's "Bible" - the House of Representatives Practice, worked on the reform of parliamentary privilege and oversaw the register of members' interests.

He was also universally respected in the building. When he retired at the end of 2013, Prime Minister Tony Abbott spoke of Wright's "profound understanding of the standing orders ... and above all else, his great love of the institution". Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said Wright had "found his calling" in his work as clerk.

Wright says he is "very pleased and very grateful" to receive an AO for his "distinguished service" to the Australian Parliament. He adds, "I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work [there] anyway".