Albo loses key minister in shock retirement

Federal minister and former prime ministerial hopeful Bill Shorten is retiring from politics, in a shock decision to become vice chancellor of the University of Canberra.

He will remain in cabinet until his retirement from politics in February next year, when he will start a new career as vice chancellor of the University of Canberra.

“Education is the modern means of taking someone from disadvantage to advantage in a way that no other method can,” Mr Shorten told a media conference.

“Universities have a critical role to play.

“The hopes and dreams of Australians are lifted when they are able to fulfil their own potential and the hopes and dreams of our nation are lifted as well.”

Mr Shorten announced his decision not to seek a seventh term in parliament on Thursday, alongside the prime minister.

“Over 30 years ago, when I joined the Australian Workers Union, I was driven by the belief that everyone, regardless of circumstance, deserves an equal opportunity.

“The opportunity to fulfil their potential. Fair wages, safe workplaces, decent conditions, that is what they are all about.

“It’s about recognising the merit and worth of every individual. As the same principle that brought me here in 2007.”

Anthony Albanese praised Mr Shorten, who he succeeded as Labor leader following the 2019 election defeat.

“It’s a big decision for him,” Anthony Albanese said on Thursday.

“I think it is a credit to Bill that this news will come as a surprise because at no point in the past two and a bit years would any observer of Australian politics think that Bill Shorten was taking it easy or slowing down.”

Mr Shorten thanked his wife Chloe and children Georgette, Rupert and Clementine, for their support.

“I had the very amazing privilege of serving as leader of our party and the movement which has been such an irreplaceable part of my life,” he said.

“None of this would have been possible without the tremendous love, patience, support from Chloe, Rupert, Georgette and Clementine.

“The sacrifices they have made. Chloe has been a tower of love and strength and I think she has shown more courage than I’d dream could exist.”

His decision comes weeks after two other senior ministers – Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor – announced they would be retiring at the next election, leading to a ministerial reshuffle.

Mr Shorten lost the 2019 election to Scott Morrison in a shock outcome.

Mr Shorten has been the NDIS and Government Services Minister in the Albanese government since they won the May 2022 election.

He has recently succeeded in getting major legislation to overhaul the NDIS through parliament.

More to come.