Bill Shorten Quotes

Powerful Bill Shorten for Daily Growth

About Bill Shorten

Bill Shorten, born on January 9, 1963, is an Australian politician who served as the Leader of the Opposition from 2013 to 2019 and a Member of Parliament (MP) for Maribyrnong since 2007. Born in Melbourne, Shorten attended Alphington Grammar School and Monash University, where he studied law. His political journey began in the Australian Labor Party's youth wing, where he served as National President from 1986 to 1988. This early experience instilled a strong commitment to social justice and labor rights. Shorten's political career took off when he was elected as an MP in 2007. He served as Minister for Finance and Deregulation under Prime Minister Julia Gillard from 2010 to 2013, a period marked by the successful passage of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax, considered one of his key achievements. As Leader of the Opposition, Shorten presented a more progressive image for the Labor Party, focusing on issues such as workers' rights, education, and climate change. Despite leading the party to an electoral defeat in 2019, Shorten's tenure was significant in shaping the direction of the Labor Party in the 21st century. Shorten's quotable quotes reflect his political convictions. For instance, he once said, "The strong get stronger and the weak get left behind," emphasizing his belief in a fair society where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. His autobiography, "For the Common Good," published in 2019, offers insights into his life, political philosophy, and leadership style.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The strongest possible economy is built on strong and secure families."

This quote by Bill Shorten emphasizes that a robust and thriving economy is founded upon the strength and security of its family units. In essence, he suggests that families serve as the bedrock of a nation's economic success, with their stability providing the social cohesion required for prosperity to flourish. Strong families contribute to a strong society, and in turn, a strong society fosters an economically powerful nation. This interplay between family, community, and economy highlights the interconnectedness of our societal structures and underscores the importance of investing in the wellbeing of families as a means to achieve long-term economic growth.


"We can't build a stronger, fairer Australia without investing in the services that all Australians rely on."

This quote by Bill Shorten suggests that a strong and equitable Australia requires investment in essential public services for all its citizens. The idea is that these services are crucial to the well-being of every Australian, making their accessibility, quality, and sustainability essential components of a fair and prosperous nation. Investment in these services can lead to improved social outcomes, increased equality, and enhanced overall national strength.


"At its heart, this government has no vision for our nation – just a slogan: 'jobs and growth'. Jobs and growth for whom?"

This quote by Bill Shorten suggests that the Australian Government at the time lacks a comprehensive, forward-thinking plan for the nation beyond the simplistic mantra of "jobs and growth." He questions who exactly will benefit from this economic focus, implying potential inequality or neglect of specific groups within society.


"Australia needs a government with a plan for our future, not one stuck in the past."

This quote by Bill Shorten emphasizes the importance of progress and forward-thinking in governance. He implies that Australia requires leadership that is focused on creating a vision for the country's future, rather than being fixated on traditions or past achievements, which may not be relevant to current challenges or opportunities. In essence, he advocates for a government that is adaptable, innovative, and forward-looking in its approach to policy-making.


"We need to build an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few."

This quote emphasizes the importance of creating an economic system where prosperity is evenly distributed across society, rather than favoring a select group of people (the "privileged few"). It suggests the need to prioritize policies that benefit all members of society, aiming for greater social equality and fairness.


Workplace relations is about getting the best out of people. An argument which says that the only way we can compete with other nations in the world is engaging in a race to the bottom in terms of pay rates, penalty rates, protections on rosters, getting rid of family friendly provisions - that is not Australia's future.

- Bill Shorten

Argument, Compete, Other, Engaging

To the best of my knowledge, when I became national secretary and, indeed, Victorian secretary, the - my predecessors in the union had detected wrong activities, activities which aren't in the best traditions of the AWU or, indeed, trade unionism.

- Bill Shorten

Predecessors, Which, Became, Indeed

If I am elected leader, my shadow opposition team will actively incorporate the policy contributions of all our members by instituting policy action committees as recommend by the 2010 National Review.

- Bill Shorten

Leader, Shadow, Recommend, Committees

Labor is at its best when we are the party of ideas and action - ideas that empower the powerless and actions that build a better Australia for the long term.

- Bill Shorten

Best, Ideas, Empower, Powerless

Labor should not be about creating monuments on hills or statues in parks. Labor's monuments and statues are when a young person can find a job, when a person with disability can get access to the ordinary life that others take for granted.

- Bill Shorten

Young, Monuments, Access, Hills

We commissioned an independent statutory economic body - the Productivity Commission - to review the possibility of funding a disability scheme. The commission returned with a view that it could. Then it becomes an issue of national will.

- Bill Shorten

Independent, Funding, Scheme, Possibility

When I entered federal parliament at the end of 2007, I was appointed parliamentary secretary for disabilities.

- Bill Shorten

Secretary, Appointed, Disabilities

I want to build a Big Labor party. A party of big ideas. A party which is deeply connected to the community. A party which reflects our diverse nation.

- Bill Shorten

Big, Nation, Which, Reflects

Trusting people to pursue their own futures invariably provides better outcomes. Money goes where it is needed, rather than being absorbed by administration costs.

- Bill Shorten

Goes, Rather, Costs, Absorb

Productivity is driven at the enterprise level. Better wages, better performing workplaces, are driven at the workplace level.

- Bill Shorten

Better, Wages, Level, Productivity

Labor must work harder to attract and retain members. The party should be cheaper to join with discounted rates available for union members as well as for students, pensioners, and people out of work.

- Bill Shorten

Work, Attract, Cheaper, Labor

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