Former federal opposition leader Bill Shorten is set to leave politics abruptly on Monday, nine days earlier than previously anticipated, triggering a cabinet reshuffle aimed at refreshing the government just months before the impending federal elections. Shorten, who has served for 17 years, is stepping down from his roles as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Minister and Minister for Government Services to pave the way for new leadership.<\/p>
A government source confirmed to ABC News the specifics of the reshuffle, which could be announced as soon as Thursday. Three existing ministers—Amanda Rishworth, Katy Gallagher, and Anne Aly—will assume responsibility for Shorten's portfolios. Rishworth will take over the NDIS, Gallagher will oversee Centrelink, and Aly will be appointed as junior disability minister.<\/p>
The transition appears to be well-timed, showcasing Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's opportunity to bolster his ministry before voters head to the polls, expected to be by May 17. Shorten remarked, "The timing is right and it allows the Prime Minister to name new minister or ministers so the team heading to the election can be established before Parliament resumes." His earlier-than-expected departure allows Albanese some breathing room to reorganize his cabinet, potentially optimizing strategies heading toward the elections.
Shorten’s political career has spanned significant moments for the Labor party, including leadership during the 2016 and 2019 elections and pivotal reforms aimed at improving services for Australians living with disabilities. He was instrumental in advocating for victims of the infamous robodebt scheme, culminating in the establishment of a royal commission.
His successor, Amanda Rishworth—currently the Minister for Social Services—will take on the NDIS, which aligns with her efforts to implement the "foundational support" system for people with disabilities. This initiative, already integrated within her portfolio since its parliamentary approval earlier this year, is aimed at keeping NDIS costs within sustainable limits.
During his tenure, Shorten cultivated relationships with his colleagues and emphasized the qualities needed for the NDIS portfolio. "Being the NDIS minister is an amazing portfolio. It requires passion, it requires caring about people, it requires the willingness to make the tough decisions," he stated. Expressing confidence in his successors, he noted, "All my colleagues are talented and frankly they’re as good a cabinet that's been around in many, many years. He’s got a wealth of choices."
Given the competitive nature of the upcoming elections, the recent polls signal close races between Labor and the Coalition, placing increased importance on the restructured cabinet. The Labor government is facing challenges from disillusioned voters, particularly independent candidates who emerged during previous elections. Political analysts predict this shift could impact the traditional vote bases, particularly for independents aiming to appeal to both conservative and progressive voters.
Reflecting on the political dynamics, election analyst Ben Raue pointed out, "They need to win over some traditional Liberal voters to win their seat, but they also need a lot of Labor and Greens voters." This balancing act may pose dilemmas for independent candidates as they navigate shifting voter expectations.
Meanwhile, the Coalition under Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is also poised to execute its own reshuffle, potentially replacing key positions such as the retiring foreign affairs spokesperson, Simon Birmingham. Dutton’s team appears ready for early campaigning as both major parties activate their strategies leading up to the federal elections.
Shorten’s early resignation also raises questions about the next steps for his seat, Maribyrnong. Jo Briskey, who made headlines for her former union affiliation, has been preselected as Labor’s candidate, continuing the party's legacy within the electorate. With no by-election required due to the election timeline, the party will need to maximize its electoral strategy to maintain its hold.
While the political season gears up swiftly, the unintended consequences of Shorten’s announced resignation may continue to resonate throughout the Labor party, providing unique opportunities for both the establishment and challengers alike. Along with the imminent reshuffle, the focus remains on how these changes will influence the overall political climate as Australia readies for the next election.