The announcement of the departure from politics of seasoned cabinet minister and warrior Bill Shorten for a life in academia will conclude an all too rare chapter in Australian public life.
A passionate and technically competent minister seized one of the most unwanted and thankless portfolios and made it into the envy of his peers.
In a speech and press conference that sometimes exuded as much relief as it did pride in achievement, Shorten the Reformer, the former opposition leader, factional operator, and survivor revealed a trait in his personality that makes him such a formidable political force — a quiet politeness and cordiality that means he is coming for you.
It’s a bit like why bomber crews get a shiver up the spine when the flak guns suddenly fall silent — it means enemy fighters have come into striking range.
A minister who actually cares? That was a thing
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