John “Wacka” Williams lost his family farm in the 1980s after receiving bad financial advice from his bank.

The shearer then made the radical pivot to become a senator for NSW — a voice for the battler.

He was the first to call for a banking royal commission, years before the Coalition got on board. Now, six years on from its damning report, Williams says banks have improved.

Williams’ influence on CommBank boss Matt Comyn was so profound, Comyn now relies on the guidance of the former senator.

Williams became a senator at the age of 53, bringing with him valuable life experience to the upper house.

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