Australian Government Services Minister Bill Shorten has denied any involvement in the hiring of a speechwriter who received a $600,000 contract over two years. Apexnewsgh reports
The contract, awarded to Julianne Stewart through Services Australia, has raised questions about the minister’s role in the hiring process.
During a Senate estimates committee hearing on Monday, it was revealed that Stewart was contracted to provide speeches for Shorten, despite the department claiming to have sufficient resources to assist the minister. While ministers often borrow staff from departments, the large salary for the speechwriter has sparked scrutiny.
Shorten dismissed the issue, stating that the hiring was done by Services Australia and he had no knowledge of the payment. “I had no idea what the payment was,” he told Channel Nine. “So, if you’re trying to link me to that, good luck.”
Frontbencher Chris Bowen defended Shorten, explaining that the department followed a standard recruitment process after identifying the need for the role. “Governments of all persuasions have communications officials who contribute to ministerial speeches,” Bowen said on ABC Radio.
The opposition, however, has raised concerns about the contract, with Senator Simon Birmingham noting that Shorten’s speechwriter will likely craft a speech for the minister’s upcoming representation at a peace summit for Ukraine. “Bill Shorten will no doubt have a great speech when he gets there, from his $600,000 speechwriter,” Birmingham said.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
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