Former Labor leader Bill Shorten to leave politics, takes up University of Canberra role

Former Labor leader and NDIS Minister Bill Shorten, who twice bid to become the nation’s prime minister, has announced his retirement from politics to take up a lucrative new university role.

Bill Shorten has called time on his political career and set the stage for a 2025 federal election to be held after he departs for a lucrative university role paying at least $1 million.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme and Government Services Minister ended months of speculation about his future on Thursday morning announcing he would quit politics to become the University of Canberra vice chancellor in February.

Standing beside his long-time rival and colleague, Anthony Albanese, Mr Shorten – who was elected to parliament in 2007 and went on to lead the ALP from 2013 to 2019 – said he was “privileged” to serve as an MP, insisting he had no regrets.

“Despite the ups and downs, there is not a single day I would hand back in 17 years,” he said.

Bill Shorten announcing his retirement alongside wife Chloe and daughter Clementine. Picture: NewsWire

The Prime Minister revealed he had asked Mr Shorten to remain in cabinet until February and indicated his Melbourne seat of Maribyrnong would remain vacant until Australians were sent to the polls.

“The election’s due by next May,” Mr Albanese said.

“Minister Shorten will continue to serve until February. It is possible there’ll be a small gap where the electorate office continues to serve the interest of people.”

Mr Shorten, 57, who was supported by wife Chloe and daughter Clementine at the press conference, said it was his “choice” to leave politics on his own terms.

Mr Shorten and Mr Albanese shake hands outside Parliament House. Picture: Supplied

He confirmed the UC job had been approved unanimously by the university’s council on Wednesday. The previous vice chancellor Professor Paddy Nixon, who resigned suddenly in January, received a $1.8m remuneration package last year that included unspecified entitlements.

In 2022 the salary package was just under $1.1m, which is still significantly more than a prime ministerial wage, with Mr Albanese paid about $600,000.

The university position also comes with a house on campus, with Mr Shorten confirming he would move to Canberra next year.

Today I announced my resignation from politics and I’m excited to share I will be the Vice Chancellor at the University of Canberra, starting in 2025.

It’s been an honour to serve and I’ll continue to be a member of the Albanese Government and Cabinet until February. pic.twitter.com/mUjK65V9Ii

— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) September 5, 2024

Mr Shorten became emotional on Thursday as he reflected on his “mother’s story” of working toward a university degree, describing education as the “modern means” of taking someone from disadvantage to advantage.

“For me this is the fair go in action,” he said.

Prior to entering politics, Mr Shorten was the Australian Workers’ Union national secretary for six years and rose to national prominence during the 2006 Beaconsfield mine collapse in Tasmania.

Mr Shorten will become Vice Chancellor of the University of Canberra. Picture: Supplied

After daily media appearances on behalf of the workers impacted by the disaster, he famously greeted miners Brant Webb and Todd Russell as they emerged on the surface after two weeks trapped underground.

Elected as the member for Maribyrnong in 2007, Mr Shorten played a pivotal backroom role in the ousting of Kevin Rudd as prime minister and later supported his return over Julia Gillard.

When Labor moved into opposition in 2013, Mr Shorten successfully challenged Mr Albanese for the party leadership, but lost both the 2016 and the 2019 “unlosable” federal elections.

Mr Shorten announces his retirement alongside Mr Albanese. Picture: NewsWire

He described his election-losing platforms as “bold and audacious” though acknowledged Australians “weren’t ready” for his 2019 tax policies.

Asked if he had any regrets about his role in the tumultuous Rudd/Gillard government, Mr Shorten borrowed words from Frank Sinatra.

“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,” he said.

Mr Shorten and Chloe during his concession speech on election night in 2019. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

Mr Shorten will take over as vice chancellor of the University of Canberra. Picture: Supplied

Mr Shorten said his role in establishing the National Disability Insurance Scheme and pursuing justice for victims of the Coalition-era Robodebt saga were the highlights of his political career.

Liberal campaign veteran Brian Loughnane said Mr Shorten’s exit from politics was a “big loss for Labor”.

“He is one of the Albanese government’s few competent ministers,” he said.

Bill Shorten and his dog Walter. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said while he didn’t agree with Mr Shorten on politics, the Labor MP was a “decent person”.

AWU national secretary Paul Farrow said Mr Shorten not only had an extraordinary vision and strategic nous, but an incredible work ethic.

“Bill led the union defining moments, including the collapse of Ansett and the Beaconsfield mine disaster,” he said. “His leadership during these crises showed his relentless drive to support workers and ensure their rights were defended.”

In 2022, Mr Shorten appointed current University of Canberra chancellor Lisa Paul, to co-chair an independent panel reviewing the NDIS.

A UC spokeswoman said Ms Paul alerted the selection panel to her previous work on the NDIS Review to ensure transparency: “There was a rigorous merit-based process overseen by an expert panel of seven members, who unanimously recommended Mr Shorten as Vice-Chancellor”. 

Originally published as Former Labor leader Bill Shorten to leave politics, takes up University of Canberra role