November 21st 2024.
Today, Bill Shorten delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech to parliament as he prepares to retire from his political career. After 17 years of service, Shorten will be stepping down as NDIS minister in February, and he took this opportunity to express his gratitude to his Labor colleagues and reflect on his most cherished moments in politics.
One of the most memorable highlights from his time in parliament was the infamous sausage sandwich incident of 2016. Shorten couldn't help but chuckle as he recalled the blunder, saying, "You do regret your mistakes, you don't forget your failures. Oh, what I would give to go back to Election Day 2016 and turn that sausage in bread around the right way."
But it wasn't all laughs and lightheartedness for Shorten. He acknowledged that his political journey had its fair share of ups and downs, with some "extraordinary highs" and "painful lows." One of the most difficult moments for him was his unsuccessful bid for prime minister in 2019. "Political life can be tough," he admitted. "Election defeat, scandal, illness, Section 44...they all take a toll."
Despite these challenges, Shorten stood before his colleagues today neither defeated nor disposed. Instead, he feels fortunate to have served and grateful for the opportunity to say goodbye and thank you. He took a moment to express his appreciation for his wife Chloe and their three children, Rupert, Gigi, and Clementine, before getting up to give Chloe a kiss in front of the audience.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton praised Shorten, recognizing his contributions and calling his retirement a "huge loss to the Australian Labor Party." As Shorten concluded his speech, he received a well-deserved standing ovation from members of parliament. It was a touching moment that highlighted the respect and admiration his colleagues have for him.
After stepping down in February, Shorten will be starting a new chapter in his life. In September, he announced that he had accepted a role as vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra. But before he embarks on this new journey, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and service in his electorate since 2007.
For those who want to stay informed about the latest news, sports, politics, and weather, Shorten encouraged them to download the 9News app. He reminded everyone that the app is available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, making it easily accessible for all. As he said his final goodbye, Shorten closed with a message of unity and hope for the future. With his passion and commitment, he has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on Australian politics.
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