Speeches by The Hon Bill Shorten MP
Opening of the “My Time” National Forum
*** Check against delivery *** Good morning everyone and thank you, Robyn for that introduction. I’d also like to thank Joy for her welcome to country, and I too would wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on… Continue reading
Speech at the Sydney Institute
Introduction I’m grateful to the Sydney Institute for inviting me to speak today. Let me begin by asking you a question: What is a person worth? What is your value? What is mine? Are we all of equal value? Or… Continue reading
Launch of Livable Design
I’d like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where we meet. I think it’s also important to acknowledge all those who are here today. Graeme Innes is a Human Rights Commissioner who does so much in the field… Continue reading
Purchasing with Purpose, Expo, Canberra
*** Check against delivery *** Good morning everyone. It’s very nice to be here today for a number of reasons. It’s nice to be here with so many people who share a common interest. I acknowledge Ken Baker and Louise… Continue reading
World Multiple Sclerosis Day Forum on Workplace Flexibility
We all know that we will, over time, become less able to do things, less able to work, less able to look after ourselves. We hope our own ageing can be done with dignity and on our own terms. For… Continue reading
AFL Dreamtime Game Lunch, Melbourne
*** E & OE – Proof only *** Firstly I acknowledge the Kulin nation, the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, and pay my respects to their elders past and present Indigenous representatives Government colleagues Corporate sponsors… Continue reading
Pathology Australia 2010 National Conference, Melbourne
*** E & OE – Proof only *** I’d like to acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and pay my respects to their elders, both past and present. I’d also like to welcome our visitors from interstate and overseas… Continue reading
Opening of the National Disability Summit, Melbourne
*** E & OE – Proof only *** A wise man once said: The problem with being poor is that it takes up all of your time. You could say the same thing about having a disability. So much time… Continue reading
Speech to 2009 Early Childhood Education Conference
*** CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY *** Good morning. I’m Bill Shorten and I’m standing in for Maxine, whose department is child care and early childhood education. She’s the expert, and I’m the novice, but when I was the National Secretary of… Continue reading
Parliamentary Speech on Cochlear Implants
*** CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY *** Last week I had the privilege of witnessing one of the most impressive transformations that modern medical science can achieve. The member for Bradfield approached me some months ago about the issue of hearing screening… Continue reading
Parliamentary Speech on the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Carers)
*** CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY *** I rise today to speak on the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Improved Support for Carers) Bill 2009, which will make life better for one of the most invisible and marginalised groups in Australia today. I… Continue reading
Launch of the Australian Disability Enterprises Website
*** CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY *** Thank you I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today, the Wurundjeri people and members of the Kulin Nation, and I wish to pay my respects to their… Continue reading
Right to an Ordinary Life – National Press Club
**Check Against Delivery** The Right to an Ordinary Life. Thank you Ken Baker from National Disability Services for that introduction. I’d like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where we meet, the Ngunnawal people, and pay respect to… Continue reading
Members Statement on Disability
*Check against delivery* I wish to draw the chamber’s attention to an ongoing problem with the coverage of disability services in Australia. There continue to be wide areas of disparity and inequity in the availability of care and support for… Continue reading
Speech at the launch of the Raising Children Network autism website
*Check against delivery* Good morning to all of you, I am delighted to see such a big turn out, particularly the interest shown by members of Parliament. This website is the culmination of eight months of development and research. It… Continue reading
Disability Discrimination Act Amendment Bill – February 11th
*Check against delivery* Mr SHORTEN (Maribyrnong-) (5.27 pm) – It is a pleasure to be speaking on the Disability Discrimination and Other Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill 2008 today. It is fair to say that in Australia, the prejudice faced… Continue reading
Aviation Access Working Group
*Check against delivery* I’d like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land, the Ngambri and Ngunnawal people, and pay my respects to elders, past and present. Today is the first meeting of the Aviation Access Working Group. People with… Continue reading
Families, Housing, Community Services Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment Bill
*Check against delivery* Mr SHORTEN (Maribyrnong- ) (11.56 am) I rise to speak on the Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Other Legislation Amendment (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2008. In the present world situation, with millions of people going… Continue reading
Launch of the “What Does Chris Want” project
*Check against delivery* I would like to acknowledge the Nolan family, Mary Nolan of course and all of your assembled friends and of course Chris himself. I think it’s important to do that because the book that is being launched… Continue reading
Parliamentary Speech on Autism
*Check against delivery* Mr SHORTEN (Maribyrnong) ( ) (9:33 AM) -Autism spectrum disorder affects a growing number of Australians, and autistic children have special needs that often require a specialised education. In this regard, I was pleased to announce in… Continue reading
Bill Shorten Parliamentary Speech on Dyslexia
I wish to draw the House’s attention to dyslexia and what is being done in Australia to assist people with learning difficulties. Dyslexia literally means difficulty with words. Symptoms of dyslexia vary immensely, but it often manifests itself in difficulty… Continue reading
Implementing and Monitoring the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in the Australian Social and Legal Context – Keynote Address
***CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY*** Now, I would like to call on Mr Bill Shorten to speak. He’s the in the Federal Government. He is going to speak on implementing the CRDP convention. He will be addressing the present and future challenges.… Continue reading
Launch of The Economic Impact of Cerebral Palsy in Australia in 2007
***CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY*** Good morning everyone. I’m very pleased to be here. This is a good report. What I’d like to do in launching the report is not necessarily just repeating the statistics which you just heard and frankly, Laze… Continue reading
NDS Disability Employment Forum
***CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY*** I would like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we are gathered, the Turrbal people, and pay my respects to Elders past and present. Rob Styling, Tony Lund, Ken Baker, I’m hoping Milly… Continue reading
Next Steps in Making Australian Communities Liveable for People with Disabilities
***CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY*** Hi everyone and thanks for that generous introduction Rhonda. I’d like to acknowledge Father Joe Caddy from Centacare and Rhonda Galbally, without whom a day like this just couldn’t happen. I also understand that Joan Kirner is… Continue reading