Democracy, NDIS, and Family: Bill Shorten’s Parting Words to Parliament

Anthony Albanese lauded Shorten’s work rebuilding Labor post-2019, while Peter Dutton called him the great prime minister Australia never had.

Minister for Government Services and the NDIS Bill Shorten at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia on Feb. 12, 2024. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

NDIS Minister and former Labor leader Bill Shorten delivered a deeply emotional valedictory address to the House of Representatives, as he stepped down from Parliament.

The speech, which lasted over 30 minutes, was followed by a few minutes of non-stop accolades from both sides of the chamber, a standing ovation, and a series of hugs and handshakes, all expressing the respect and admiration that Shorten has earned over his distinguished career.