NDIS Minister Bill Shorten leaves government

Key points:

• Minister Shorten has announced his resignation from government after over half a decade in office

• Bill Shorten has faced pushback from the Greens and Liberal politicians over his desire to reform the National Disability Insurance Scheme quickly

• Mr Shorten was instrumental in the creation and roll-out of the NDIS

National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Bill Shorten has decided not to seek a seventh term in the Parliament of Australia.

Mr Shorten assured people with disability, their carers and those who love them that he will continue to support the NDIS.

“I love the NDIS,” he said, “I helped create it.”

“We have repaired it. I will always defend it. I will use every minute left in this job to secure the future of the scheme and ensure it continues to empower with choice and control and give Australians the chance to fulfil their potential.”

He added that the same goes for everyone who relies on Services Australia.

“We still have work to do this term to ensure our citizens can access services quickly and accurately and equitably,” Mr Shorten stated.

“[Along with ensuring] that digital transformation prioritises people being able to control their personal data.”

He confirmed that he will be serving as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Canberra from February of 2025 after he departs from government.

“Education is the modern means of taking someone from disadvantage to advantage in a way nothing else in society can do. Universities have a critical role here,” he explained.

“The hopes and dreams of Australians lift when given the opportunity to fulfil individual potential and the hopes and dreams of a nation are lifted too.

“I’m looking forward to joining a university that has been rated number one in the world for reducing inequalities, where 40 percent of graduates are the first in their family to obtain a degree.

“That was my Mum’s story – to me, this is the fair go in action.

“I’ve gratefully accepted the Prime Minister’s request that I remain serving in the cabinet and continue to deliver on our first term reform agenda for the NDIS and government services.

“I’m thankful to be leaving Parliament while there are still people who want me to stay […] and while I still feel [I] have more to give: to this great country and the remarkable people who call it home.

Reflecting on his time in office, Minister Shorten said he had faced many different challenges that he fought for passionately, from his time in the Australian Workers’ Union through to the 2014 Federal Budget and ideologically driven opposition to Labor.

“Thirty years ago, I joined the Australian Workers’ Union, driven by the belief that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to fulfil their potential.

“That’s what fair wages, safe workplaces and decent conditions are all about — recognising the merit and worth and dignity of every individual.

“That’s the same principle that brought me to Parliament in 2007.

“A determination to stand up for the underdog, for people who don’t start out in life with the same set of advantages as others.

Mr Shorten has served in portfolios such as bushfire reconstruction, superannuation, industrial relations and government services —  starting his career as Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and finishing as Minister for the NDIS.

“I’ve experienced some extraordinary highs in the last 17 years,” Mr Shorten said, “and let’s face it, some pretty difficult lows.

“[However,] there is not a single day I would hand back, because — every day — I know how lucky I have been to have had the chance to serve.

He thanked his family and supporters for giving him the care he needed to perform his duties in the government.

“None of this would have been possible without the love, patience and support of my family — and the sacrifices Chloe, Rupert, Georgette and Clementine have made for me,” he shared.

“Chloe has been a tower of love and strength – and shown more courage than I dreamed existed.”

What do you think of Minister Shorten’s departure and how do you believe his time in office has affected people with disability? Let the Talking Disability team know and subscribe to the newsletter for more information, news and industry updates.

Related content:

Inclusive modelling agency has faced online criticism for NDIS modelling retreats

Why the Paralympics are about more than just sports

Disability support workers are paid up to five dollars less per hour compared to aged care employees