Jewish leaders and associates have paid tribute to Bill Shorten as he prepares to quit federal parliament to pursue a new role in his life as vice-chancellor of Canberra University.
Co-CEO of The Executive Council of Australian Jewry Peter Wertheim told J-Wire: “Bill was a good friend to the Australian Jewish community and Israel and a champion for Labor’s traditional alignment with democracy against the forces of fanaticism and tyranny. His departure highlights the challenges that Federal Labor faces to maintain itself as a credible centre left party in an increasingly polarised political environment.
He has spent his life championing multiculturalism and supporting vulnerable communities, and I know he will continue to do that important work as Vice Chancellor of the University of Canberra.”