Australia's NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has delivered the final speech of his political career.
His wife and 14 year old daughter, Clementine Shorten, joined him for morning media appearances to defend Labor’s social media ban for under 16s.
Later in the day Shorten gave his final speech to the House of Representatives, opening by acknowledging the difficulties of Parliament as well as its privileges saying that “political life is indeed tough.”
The former Labor leader then thanked his wife and three children, calling them his “greatest blessing”.
He also gave his thanks to the constituents of the seat of Maribyrnong for their trust and electing him six times over the course of his career, calling it an honour to represent them.
He continued by thanking Parliament staff, including security guards and clerks, for “making this building tick”.
Reflecting on achievements throughout his time in Parliament, Shorten recalled the passing of marriage equality in 2017, the after effects of Black Saturday in 2009 and more recently the review into NDIS, calling the scheme the “closest” to his heart.
Wrapping up, he praised Australia as “the home of the second chance, the land of a fair go” before thanking the House a final time.
Shorten announced his retirement from politics back in September, wrapping up 17 years in Parliament.
In February he will start a new role, as the Vice-Chancellor at the University of Canberra.