Chloe Shorten reveals why she cried during Bill Shorten’s speech at Labor launch

Chloe Shorten has revealed for the first time why she teared up at a campaign event in Melbourne where her husband launched Labor’s plan for gender equality.

Exclusive: Chloe Shorten has revealed for the first time why she teared up at a campaign event in Melbourne where her husband launched Labor’s plan for gender equality.

The Opposition Leader was introduced as “Chloe Shorten’s husband” as he arrived at the Queen Victoria Women’s Centre today, where he announced Labor would spend more than half a billion dollars fighting family violence.

In a moving speech, Mr Shorten spoke about his late mother Ann and her journey through life, first becoming a teacher before turning to her true passion — the law.

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Bill Shorten arriving at the Queen Victoria Women's Centre in Melbourne. Picture: Kym Smith

Mrs Shorten, who became teary eyed during the speech, told News Corp Australia she was deeply touched by her husband’s words as he spoke about his “trailblazing, courageous mother”.

“Her achievements, her gutsy determination, and inner-strength,” she said.

Chloe Shorten became emotional during Bill Shorten’s personal speech. Picture: AAP

“The way she put her kids’ education first, her own hopes and dreams on hold — it’s what mothers do.”

The Labor leader said his mother was the first person in her family to go to university and, because they were not rich, she had to take a teacher’s scholarship to look after her other siblings.

Chloe Shorten was seated with Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Tanya Plibersek. Picture: Kym Smith

“Don’t get me wrong, she loved being a teacher and she was very good at it,” he said.

“But she always wanted to be in the law.

“Later in life, when my twin brother and I went to university, she was enrolled at the same faculty; she distinguished herself and got the Supreme Court prize.”

Chloe Shorten told News Corp Australia she was deeply touched by her husband’s words. Picture: Kym Smith

Mr Shorten said although his mother was never bitter about her lack of opportunities, he was pleased to now be in a position where he could help other women going forward.

The Opposition Leader today declared that if Labor was successful on May 18, his government would be the first in Australia’s history with 50 per cent women in its ranks.

What a team … Chloe and Bill Shorten at the launch of Labor’s plan for gender equality. Picture: Kym Smith