Former Labor leader Bill Shorten announces retirement from politics

Federal minister and former prime ministerial hopeful Bill Shorten is retiring from politics to become vice chancellor of the University of Canberra.

Federal minister and former prime ministerial hopeful Bill Shorten has announced his retirement from politics after 17 years in parliament to take on a surprising new role.

He will remain in cabinet until his retirement from politics in February next year, when he will become the vice chancellor of the University of Canberra.

According to annual income reports, the move comes with a salary package worth more than $1m – a significant payrise when compared to his current income of about $400,000.

Mr Shorten will relocate from Melbourne to the nation’s capital for the role.

“Education is the modern means of taking someone from disadvantage to advantage in a way that no other method can,” Mr Shorten told a press conference in the Prime Minister’s court yard.

“Universities have a critical role to play.

“The hopes and dreams of Australians are lifted when they are able to fulfil their own potential and the hopes and dreams of our nation are lifted as well.”

Mr Shorten, 57, announced his decision not to seek a seventh term in parliament on Thursday, alongside Anthony Albanese.

Former federal Labor leader Bill Shorten announced his retirement from politics at Parliament House on Thursday. Picture: ABC

“Over 30 years ago, when I joined the Australian Workers Union, I was driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of circumstance, deserves an equal opportunity,” Mr Shorten said.

“The opportunity to fulfil their potential. Fair wages, safe workplaces, decent conditions, that is what they are all about.

“It’s about recognising the merit and worth of every individual. As the same principle that brought me here in 2007.”

UPS AND DOWNS

Reflecting on his political career, he said the ups and downs had been intense, but that there was “not a single day” he would “hand back”.

He led Labor to two narrow election defeats in 2016 and 2019 championing bold policy platforms both times, elements of which have gained renewed support, such as negative gearing reform.

“I’ve experienced some extraordinary political highs in the last 17 years, and let’s face it, some extraordinary political lows,” Mr Shorten said.

“But there is not a single day in the last 17 years that I would hand back, because every day I know how lucky I have been to have the privilege to serve the Australian people.”

Asked if it was harder to get into parliament or leave it, the former Labor leader said exiting the political arena was tougher.

“There’s an old saying which new MPs don’t realise, but they get told by old hands, it’s actually easier to get into parliament than to leave,” he said.

“But this feels right. It feels like I’ve got a chance to make another contribution, and I’ve loved working in the first term of the Albanese government.

“And by the way, as the Prime Minister said, we still got more work to do.”

PM PRAISE FOR SHORTEN IN POST RUDD ERA

Anthony Albanese praised Mr Shorten, who he succeeded as Labor leader following the 2019 election defeat.

“It’s a big decision for him,” Anthony Albanese said on Thursday.

“I think it is a credit to Bill that this news will come as a surprise because at no point in the past two and a bit years would any observer of Australian politics think that Bill Shorten was taking it easy or slowing down.”

NDIS and Government Services Minister Bill Shorten is retiring from politics. NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Mr Albanese praised Mr Shorten’s “determination, his drive and advocacy” for the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Mr Shorten has been the NDIS and Government Services Minister in the Albanese government since they won the May 2022 election.

He has recently succeeded in getting major legislation to overhaul the NDIS through parliament.

“His passion for this area throughout his entire time in public life and his determination to make a difference, including the most vulnerable people,” Mr Albanese said.

“I want him to finish the work is to secure the best possible outcome for people with disability, their and carers.

“Equally, I know that Bill is very determined to see the job through.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has praised former leadership rival and key cabinet minister Bill Shorten after his retirement announcement. Picture: NewsWire / Diego Fedele

He also acknowledged his role in the Labor Party and unifying it after the turbulent Gillard/Rudd era.

“Only a few people about the extraordinary privilege of leading Australia’s oldest and greatest political party,” Mr Albanese said.

“Bill took over in the wake of a demoralising 2013 defeat.

“He united the party, re-energised the caucus and saw off two prime ministers and rebuilt Labor into a strong opposition and a genuine alternative government.

“Through his years as leader, no-one worked harder than Bill. No-one brought more energy, enthusiasm, ideas and ambition to advocating the need for a Labor government.

“It is a measure of Bill’s character that he channelled the disappointment of 2019 into fighting for justice for the victims of probate at. His work made our government stronger.”

Mr Shorten lost the 2019 election to Scott Morrison in a shock outcome and relinquished the leadership with Mr Albanese ultimately succeeding him.

NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT CHLOE

Mr Shorten thanked his wife Chloe and children Georgette, Rupert and Clementine, for their support.

“I had the very amazing privilege of serving as leader of our party and the movement which has been such an irreplaceable part of my life,” he said.

Bill Shorten’s wife Chloe and daughter Clementine were on hand when the NDIS minister announced his retirement from politics after 17 years. Picture: NewsWire. Picture: NewsWire

“None of this would have been possible without the tremendous love, patience, support from Chloe, Rupert, Georgette and Clementine.

“The sacrifices they have made. Chloe has been a tower of love and strength and I think she has shown more courage than I’d dream could exist.”

NO BY-ELECTION FOR MARIBYRNONG

Mr Shorten’s decision comes weeks after two other senior ministers – Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor – announced they would be retiring at the next election, leading to a ministerial reshuffle.

There will be no immediate reshuffle with Mr Shorten remaining in parliament until February. Mr Albanese also indicated a by-election won’t be held in Mr Shorten’s Melbourne seat of Maribyrnong before the federal election, which has to be held by May at the latest.

Originally published as Former Labor leader Bill Shorten announces retirement from politics