Bill Shorten retires; domestic violence plan worth $702m revealed; RBA stands by interest rate settings

Outgoing NDIS Minister Bill Shorten delivered some jovial zingers to Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, reminding the Liberal leader he should not cancel his “Bill therapy sessions”.

Speaking on their first regular Today show panel since Shorten announced his retirement from politics, Shorten jabbed at Dutton that he is not leaving any time soon as his new role as vice-chancellor of the University of Canberra starts in February next year.

“It’s been a big 24 hours but there’s still plenty to do and I just wanted to say to Peter I’m still here so you’re not out of the woods yet and maybe you … shouldn’t cancel your Bill therapy sessions with your therapist yet,” Shorten joked.

“You know, Pete said some lovely things about me and I just wanted to encourage him. One, I wish you could have said it when I was leader of the opposition but hey, that’s life, and two, make sure you bring your A-game or maybe even just the nuclear costings for your policy.”

Shorten acknowledged he is excited to have more time with his family and reflected on his time in politics.

“I’m looking forward to a little less travel and you know, perhaps a little less trolling,” he said.

Dutton acknowledged the Shorten family had been through a lot and said the country had been a “net beneficiary” from Shorten’s service.

“I think our country’s been the net beneficiary from having Bill in public life, I know that he contributed significantly, particularly when he was opposition leader to national security debates, which are ultimately the most important thing that we can do for our country,” Dutton said.

“He’s been somebody who when you shake his hand or you have a conversation, you do a deal, he honours it,” he continued.

“I think he’s… the last adult in the room of that Albanese cabinet and I think they will … dearly miss him when he goes, but his family will get him back and I think… we don’t agree on politics, but I respect Bill very much.”