Shorten’s rented holiday home left needing repairs
Bill Shorten’s family holiday on the NSW south coast left a rented home needing repairs to return it to its ‘immaculate’ condition.
Bill Shorten’s three-week family holiday at Bawley Point on the NSW south coast has been the talk of the town after the million-dollar luxury home he rented required repairs to return it to its “immaculate” condition.
Locals in the small seaside community told The Australian they had been wondering when “the story” would come out following the Shortens’ visit.
The story involves stained carpet, a damaged fridge shelf, food scraps left inside the fridge and broken kitchen items.
The Opposition Leader and his wife, Chloe Shorten, rented the four-bedroom, three-bathroom house over the Christmas holidays after it sold for $1.2 million in September.
There was an agreement the house would be rented for several weeks to the Shortens before the new owners moved in, which The Australian was told they had now done.
Numerous people in the area who asked not to be identified spoke of the “really disappointing” episode, with several alleging the house had been left in a poor state.
Agent Frank Walmsley from Auction Advantage arranged the lease to the Shortens and rejected rumours of significant damage.
He confirmed there were small breakages and a spill on the carpet.
“I was there and I can assure you it was left in good condition. Any minor issues — like small breakages or medicine on the carpet — were dealt with. This is just ridiculous and unfair gossip,” he said.
It is understood the Shortens alerted the leasing agent and arranged for some of their security deposit to be relinquished to fund minor repairs.
A source close to Mr Shorten said claims of major damage were “wildly exaggerated and unfair”.
“As anyone with kids on holidays knows, sometimes there are minor issues. These were covered with the real estate agent and all issues resolved,” the source said.
A previous advert for the house boasted it was a two-minute walk to Bawley Beach and walking distance to another five “pristine” beaches.
“This immaculate, well loved quality home has one of the most enviable north facing views,” the ad said.
Other prominent Australians who have chosen to holiday at the secluded Bawley Point include ABC Insiders host Barrie Cassidy, Fairfax Media CEO Greg Hywood and Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen.
Correction: Earlier versions of this story displayed a different Bawley Point property.
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