Bill Shorten reflects on failures, sausage regret in valedictory speech to parliament
Bill Shorten has delivered a rousing valedictory speech to parliament as he prepares for his retirement from politics.
Shorten, who will step down as NDIS minister in February, thanked his Labor colleagues and reminisced on his favourite moments in politics today.
A memorable mention from his 17 years in parliament was his infamous sausage sandwich gaffe from 2016.
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Minister for NDIS Bill Shorten delivers his valedictory speech in the House of Representatives. Dominic Lorrimer
"You do regret your mistakes, you don't forget your failures," he said.
"Oh, what I would give to go back to Election Day 2016 and turn that sausage in bread around the right way."
Shorten said he has experienced "extraordinary highs" and some "painful lows".
Bill Shorten tackles a sausage sizzle in an unconventional manner in 2016. Alex Ellinghausen
Among them was his failed bid to become prime minister in 2019.
"Political life can be tough. Election defeat, scandal, illness, Section 44…" he said.
"So today, I stand here neither defeated nor disposed, lucky to have served, fortunate to be able to say goodbye and thank you."
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Shorten kisses his wife Chloe Shorten. Dominic Lorrimer
Shorten thanked his wife Chloe and his three children Rupert, Gigi and Clementine during his farewell address.
He then got up to kiss Chloe, who was in the audience during the speech.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton praised Shorten and said his retirement is a "huge loss to the Australian Labor Party".
Shorten received a loud standing ovation from members of parliament at the conclusion of his speech.
The NDIS minister will be stepping back in February after serving in his electorate since 2007.
Shorten revealed in September he had accepted a role as vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra.
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