Bill Shorten’s Scathing Critique: Last Week of Parliament Marred by Toxicity and NDIS Scandals

Bill Shorten labels the last week of parliament ‘toxic’ as NDIS rorts take centre stage on Q+A

By Paul Johnson

19 June 2023

Minister for the NDIS Bill Shorten recently appeared on Q+A, where he criticized the culture in parliament, questioned the ABC for redundancies, and discussed the prevalent issue of rorts in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

An Unfortunate Week in Parliament

Bill Shorten began his appearance by expressing his disappointment with the events of the previous week in Parliament House. The week was marked by allegations that Finance Minister Katy Gallagher had misled parliament regarding her knowledge of Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe accused Liberal Senator David Van of sexual assault, and former senator Amanda Stoker also accused him of inappropriate behavior. Senator Van denied the allegations, but he quit the party and was barred from the Liberal party room by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton.

In response to a question about making parliament more empathetic after such a chaotic week, Shorten described it as “toxic” and stated that it was not representative of how parliament should be. He emphasized the need to focus on making Australia a better place and helping Australians.

NDIS Rorts and the Need for Reform

During the Q+A session, the issue of NDIS funding and rorts was raised. Disability advocate Sam Connor highlighted the repeated failures of the system, citing the case of a young man who died at a train station due to inadequate support. Audience member Cheryl Slade shared her struggles with having two children with disabilities and her disappointment with the NDIS response to their needs.

Shorten acknowledged that there have been poor planning decisions in the past and expressed his commitment to reforming the NDIS. He mentioned that some service providers were taking advantage of vulnerable individuals by charging excessive fees and engaging in questionable practices. While he acknowledged that there are many great service providers, he called out those who exploit the misfortune of Australians with disabilities, equating it to human trafficking.

Shorten also clarified that the “$74 billion worth of rorts” mentioned in the scheme referred to a span of ten years, not a single year. Senator McKenzie commented on the challenges faced by Shorten in managing such a critical scheme, acknowledging the budget pressures and emphasizing the importance of a successful and sustainable NDIS.

Cuts to ABC and the Role of the Political Editor

The conversation on Q+A also touched on the recent cuts at the ABC, particularly the decision to axe the role of political editor Andrew Probyn. Senator McKenzie expressed her disbelief at the absence of a political editor in the parliamentary press gallery, considering it incredible that the public broadcaster would prioritize social media over such a vital role.

Shorten expressed concerns about the ABC’s digital transformation and questioned the abruptness with which the changes were implemented. He stressed the importance of considering the impact on employees and emphasized that organizations should handle change with greater sensitivity and transparency.

Editorial

The recent Q+A appearance by Bill Shorten shed light on the “toxic” state of affairs in Australian politics. The events of the previous week in Parliament House were marked by allegations, denials, and accusations of inappropriate behavior. Such incidents showcase the apparent lack of respect, empathy, and accountability among some politicians.

The NDIS rorts discussed during the program highlight the urgent need for reform in the scheme. The NDIS was designed to support Australians with disabilities, but reports of mismanagement and inadequate support have repeatedly surfaced. Shorten’s commitment to addressing these issues is commendable, as is his call to hold service providers accountable for unethical practices.

The cuts at the ABC, particularly the removal of the political editor role, have raised concerns about the broadcaster’s priorities. The role of the media in holding the government accountable is crucial for a functioning democracy, and the absence of a political editor in the parliamentary press gallery undermines this important function.

Overall, the Q+A episode with Bill Shorten serves as a reminder of the need for stronger leadership, integrity, and empathy in Australian politics. It is essential for politicians to prioritize serving the public’s interests over personal gain or party politics.

Advice

The events discussed on Q+A serve as a stark reminder that the state of Australian politics needs to improve. As citizens, we have the power to demand greater integrity, accountability, and empathy from our elected representatives.

When facing allegations and controversies in Parliament, politicians should prioritize transparency, honest communication, and swift action. They should strive to create an empathetic and inclusive environment that upholds the values of justice, fairness, and equality.

The NDIS needs comprehensive reforms to address the shortcomings and ensure that Australians with disabilities receive the support they require. This includes tackling the issue of rorts, improving planning, and providing adequate funding and resources.

The ABC must also reassess its priorities and recognize the importance of strong political journalism. As an essential pillar of democracy, the media plays a critical role in holding the government accountable and informing the public. The decision to remove the political editor role undermines the ability of the ABC to fulfill its responsibilities.

As citizens, we should actively engage in the democratic process, hold our politicians accountable, and support media organizations that prioritize truthful, unbiased reporting. By demanding better from our elected representatives and supporting responsible media, we can contribute to the improvement of Australian politics and society as a whole.