Former Labor leader Bill Shorten retires from politics

The NDIS minister will step down in February after serving his constituency since 2007, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced in Canberra today.

“My friend Bill Shorten has decided he will not run in the next election,” Albanese said.

“I have asked Bill to remain in the Cabinet until he leaves in February.”

The Prime Minister praised Shorten for his “determination, drive and advocacy”.

“Bill gave it his all every day – his determination to make a difference, even for the most vulnerable people,” Albanese continued.

“I also know that Bill is determined to get the job done.”

Shorten told media he has decided to accept the position of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra.

“I started thinking about what’s going to happen next,” he said.

“I am delighted to announce that I have been elected Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra from February next year.”

He added: “Universities play a vital role. Australians’ hopes and dreams are heightened when they can realise their own potential.”

Shorten said he was returning to his “normal job” today, but was approved for his new role on Wednesday.

“I’ve had some extraordinary political highs over the last 17 years. Let’s face it, some extraordinary political lows,” he said.

“There hasn’t been a single day in the last 17 years when I would want to give up.

“Because every day I realise how fortunate I am to have the privilege of serving the Australian people.”

He also confirmed that he will move to Canberra in February 2025 for his role as Vice-Chancellor.

“I am grateful to be leaving parliament while there are still people who want me to stay,” he added.

Shorten reflected on his 17 years in politics, 11 of which were in parliament, and spoke about his greatest legacy, the NDIS.

“We haven’t won every battle, but Labor… We’ve never stopped trying,” he said.

Whether it was defending Medicare, taking real action on climate… gay marriage… these were tough fights, but all worth fighting.”

Shorten said he remains committed to the NDIS while he remains in Cabinet.

“I’m proud of the NDIS, it changes lives,” he said.

“The NDIS is here to stay and Labor is delivering the necessary changes.”

Shorten, who led the Labor party from 2013 to 2019, lost his bid for prime minister in 2016 and 2019 before Prime Minister Albanese was elected to replace him.

Shorten was known at the time for lobbying MPs to gain support for candidates for the top job other than his rival Albanese.

After stepping down as Labor leader, Shorten served as Minister for Public Services and Minister for National Disability Insurance since 2022.

He began his government work in 1994 as an organiser for the Australian Workers’ Union.

Shorten, originally from Victoria, entered politics in 1998 after winning the primary for the safe Labor seat of Melton.

Before entering Parliament in 2007, he was also a director of Australian Super.