Government Services Minister Bill Shorten is facing scrutiny after it was revealed that his speechwriter, Julianne Stewart, is being paid $300,000 a year by Services Australia. Senate Estimates disclosed that the total expenditure on the speechwriter amounts to $620,000 in taxpayer funds. This revelation has sparked controversy, especially given that Services Australia already has a communications team of over 180 people. Critics argue that the speechwriter's salary exceeds that of many sitting MPs, raising questions about the justification for such high expenditure. Senate estimates told, Sky News host Liz Storer highlighted the issue, and as NDIS Minister, Shorten has attempted to shrug off the scrutiny.
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