The man who was almost prime minister: Bill Shorten's life in the public eye
Former Labor leader Bill Shorten will officially retire from politics.
When he steps down as NDIS minister in February, Shorten will leave behind a colourful legacy in parliament and politics.
After beginning his career in government as an organiser of the Australian Workers' Union in 1994, Shorten went on to enter parliament in 2007.
He was elected minister for government services in 2022, a role he will remain in until February.
Take a look at Shorten's life in the public eye here.
Shorten's time in the Australian Workers' Union began in 1998, where he was appointed state secretary of the Victorian branch.
He then served as the National Secretary of the AWU from 2001 to 2007.
Shorten, pictured in 2002, after he moved AWU's national office from Melbourne to Sydney, where it had been since 1895.
In 2005, Shorten was re-elected as the national secretary at the AWU.
The union boss was still two years away from entering federal politics.
In 2006, Shorten's profile as AWU boss was boosted when he became the unoffficial spokesperson for the families and community in Beaconsfield, Tasmania during the mine disaster.
Two miners, Todd Russell and Brant Webb, were left trapped 1km underground for two weeks.
Shorten's time in the public eye during this event triggered rumours he would look to enter politics.
Shorten pictured at his Labor candidate campaign launch.
As Labor candidate for Maribyrnong, Shorten was supported by the Beaconsfield survivors Webb and Russell in his bid for the seat.
Shorten was elected to the House of Representatives at the 2007 federal election, successful in his bid for the seat of Maribyrnong, before being immediately appointed a parliamentary secretary.
Shorten pictured being sworn in as parliamentary secretary in 2009 by then governor-general Quentin Bryce.
Shorten seen at his campaign launch in 2010 with wife Chloe and daughter Clementine.
Shorten seen with former prime minister Julia Gillard in 2011.
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