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Biography
Bill joined the Victorian Branch of the Australian Workers' Union as an organiser in 1994, and was involved in campaigns that attracted new members to the AWU as diverse as oil and gas workers, fruit pickers, manufacturing workers, netballers and jockeys. Bill became Secretary of the Victorian Branch in 1997, and was elected National Secretary in 2001.
Bill has spent his career standing up for working people. Having represented workers from Esso Longford to the Beaconsfield Gold Mine, workplace safety is a key concern.
With arts and law degrees, an MBA and years of experience dealing cooperatively with employers, he also understands the needs of the business community.
He is a former director of AustralianSuper and the Victorian Funds Management Corporation.
Bill is a National Executive member of the ALP.
Bill was elected as member for the Federal seat of Maribyrnong and appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services in 2007.
On 25 February 2009, the Prime Minister allocated to Mr Shorten the additional responsibility of Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction.