‘Strong parliamentary performer’: Bill Shorten's surprise retirement

Sky News political correspondent Olivia Caisley has revealed no byelection will take place following Bill Shorten’s unexpected retirement. “For many, this was a pretty big surprise today in Canberra,” Ms Caisley said. “The prime minister though making it pretty clear that there will be no byelection in the seat of Maribyrnong in Victoria which Bill Shorten holds currently, nor does the timing of his departure in around six months’ time mean that there will be a February election. “The key flavour of this departure speech today was a focus on Bill Shorten’s record on social justice. “We’ve really seen Bill Shorten bouncing back and really taking on the task of being the NDIS minister over the course of this parliamentary term. He is considered a very strong parliamentary performer.”