NDIS MP Bill Shorten spends $600,000 on a speechwriter for Labor party duties.
A former TV drama scriptwriter is being paid over half a million dollars for two years to help Labor NDIS Minister Bill Shorten connect emotionally with his audience. Julianne Stewart, with experience working for previous Prime Ministers and in the private sector, has been hired for her ability to craft powerful messages that evoke warmth and compassion.
However, concerns were raised by Liberal senators about the necessity of this new appointment, questioning why existing staff within Services Australia couldn’t fulfill this role. There was also discussion about the department’s capability to provide the same services as Ms. Stewart.
Despite the average annual wage for a parliamentary speechwriter being around $140,000, Mr. Shorten’s contract with Ms. Stewart amounts to $640,000. Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds questioned the need for this contract during a Senate Estimates hearing, but Ms. Smith from Services Australia couldn’t provide a definitive answer.
The focus on this contract has led to a debate on the sustainability of the NDIS, with Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasizing the need to manage costs effectively. The annual cost of the scheme has been steadily increasing, with measures being taken to ensure its long-term viability.
Ultimately, the hiring of a high-paid speechwriter for Mr. Shorten has raised questions about the allocation of resources within the government, especially considering the ongoing need to sustain essential services like the NDIS.
