Labour frontbencher Bill Shorten has announced his decision to retire from politics after nearly two decades in federal parliament. Shorten, who will continue until February, has been appointed as the next vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra.
The announcement was made at a press conference with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday, where Shorten reflected on his 17-year parliamentary career.
Albanese praised Shorten for his dedication and energy, noting that he was crucial in advocating for a Labor government.
“Through his years as leader, no one worked harder than Bill,” Albanese said. “No one brought more energy, enthusiasm, ideas, and ambition.”
The Prime Minister emphasised that Shorten’s continued presence in the cabinet was significant for ongoing work related to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Last month, significant reforms to the NDIS passed parliament, and Shorten expressed confidence that these changes would steer the scheme back to its original purpose, focusing on people’s outcomes and addressing fraud.
University of Canberra chancellor Lisa Paul commended Shorten for his work on the NDIS, noting that his focus on accessibility aligns with the university’s goals.
With a federal election expected by May, it remains to be seen who will succeed Shorten in his ministerial role. The Prime Minister acknowledged that there might be a brief period between Shorten’s retirement and the election where the seat could be vacant but assured that the government would handle the transition as it arises.
Shorten, who led the Labor Party for six years, including two federal election defeats, reflected on his career with gratitude. Despite not achieving his goal of becoming Prime Minister, he described himself as “one of the luckiest people in politics.”
Shorten recalled his career, including his work on the NDIS, his leadership of Labor, and his efforts to assist victims of the Robodebt scandal.
He quoted Frank Sinatra in response to questions about past controversies, saying, “Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention. I did what I had to do, but much more than this, I did it my way.”
First elected to the Victorian seat of Maribyrnong in 2007, Shorten gained prominence during the Beaconsfield Mine disaster as the national secretary of the Australian Workers Union, representing the community and families of trapped miners.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton paid tribute to Shorten, describing him as a “decent person” and acknowledging the “disappointing end” to his leadership. Dutton noted Shorten’s dignity and respect for the democratic process despite his challenges.
