Government Services Minister Bill Shorten is under scrutiny for hiring a speechwriter at a cost of $620,000 over two years, despite Services Australia already having a large communications team. The speechwriter, Julianne Stewart, is paid $300,000 annually. Senate estimates revealed this expenditure, which has been criticized by various politicians, including Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, who highlighted that it amounts to $20,000 per speech. Shorten has attempted to deflect the criticism, claiming labor shortages are behind the high cost. The speechwriter has worked for four former PMs and has written at least 170 speeches for Shorten. Additionally, Shorten is facing backlash over revelations that upwards of $2 billion of NDIS funds have been misused on items such as cars, holidays, and drugs. Shorten has acknowledged the presence of fraud within the NDIS and has blamed the previous Coalition government for their handling of the scheme.
Shorten and Coalition MPs clash over NDIS fraud – as it happened https://t.co/OSHd4QYrR4
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has lashed out at the Coalition’s “naivety and negligence” in tackling rorting of the scheme when in power as damning revelations exposed upwards of $2 billion used in error. https://t.co/ClMUEufAjf
Shorten on NDIS fraud: 'Crooks don't self report'. https://t.co/9zgf1hBu6H
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has admitted there are “spivs and charlatans” in the NDIS but said his department has begun implementing the “basic” back office functions to scrutinise rort claims. https://t.co/X5JZaPDBym
Sky New host Paul Murray slams Bill Shorten amid revelations of Service Australia spending $620,000 over two years on a speechwriter for the NDIS Minister. https://t.co/xVY3pgscvC
Heroin, coke and ice. Did you know you can buy these drugs using NDIS funding? It's the latest nightmare for NDIS Minister Bill Shorten. Listen to the details HERE. 🎧https://t.co/wCZWbQ1J4a🎧 https://t.co/6PfhWC5TMe
It has been revealed that two billion dollars of NDIS funds have been spent on fraudulent expenses - including cars, drugs and alcohol. https://t.co/vlo5UMBXmm
‘Labour shortages’ behind $300,000-a-year speechwriter contract – but MP claims Shorten writes own ‘zingers’ https://t.co/nZEC6xjq7d
Shorten’s $310,000-a-year writer behind at least 170 speeches – but no zingers https://t.co/h6QHDM9UBj
NDIS Minister Bill Shorten is facing more backlash after it was revealed upwards of $2 billion of the scheme's money has been spent on items such as cars, holidays and hard drugs including heroine and ice. https://t.co/vIQ8wIVl2A
Shadow treasurer Angus Taylor has torn into NDIS Minister Bill Shorten after he shrugged off reports hired a speechwriter on a $620,000 two-year contract, amounting to $20,000 per speech. https://t.co/4LCLmMnuMC
Minister Bill Shorten has hired a speechwriter, who worked for four former PMs, costing the taxpayer $620,000 over two years > https://t.co/tja10Lzgdi https://t.co/rBBWS8uAuc
Bill Shorten is copping a hammering. The Minister for the NDIS appeared on 'A Current Affair’ last night. When he was questioned about rorts happening on the NDIS he didn’t take it well. Listen to the feedback HERE. 🎧 https://t.co/IfPtVJCYeu🎧 https://t.co/1cqO9VxRzg
Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has attempted to shrug off scrutiny over the cost of a speech writer. https://t.co/Yo2POR8NBQ
Sky News host Liz Storer says NDIS Minister Bill Shorten has a “speech writer” being paid “more than most sitting MPs”. https://t.co/wTcUdInybE
Senate Estimates has been rocked by revelations Government Services Minister Bill Shorten is using $620,000 in taxpayer funds to hire a speechwriter for Services Australia, despite the agency already boasting a more than 180-person strong communications team.…
Services Australia paid Bill Shorten's speechwriter $300,000 a year, Senate estimates told – video https://t.co/Dek7fRgxiS
Bill Shorten’s Julianne Stewart speechwriter paid $300,000 a year by Services Australia, Senate estimates told https://t.co/5zj9ya6vCC
Bill Shorten’s personal speechwriter earning $620,000 @TomMcIlroy https://t.co/6NVY9C0RCP