By YASEMIN TALAT
There was not an empty seat in the room, as hundreds gathered to kick-off Maribyrnong candidate Bill Shorten’s 2013 Federal Election campaign on Friday night.
“Welcome to St Albans” were the opening words from the Labor candidate, who greeted Labor supporters packed in the Victoria University, St Albans campus auditorium.
The former Prime Minister Paul Keating made a special appearance as guest speaker and supporter of Mr Shorten.
He entered the auditorium with Mr Shorten to receive a standing ovation.
The spotlight was on Mr Keating for the evening who told the Labor supporters and community leaders that the Labor Party was a hugely successful party.
“I can’t think of any party of the moderate left in the world that succeeded the way which we have succeeded,” Mr Keating said.
“From the most basic things about hours of work per week, rates of pay, basic social services, protection in health, all those things across twentieth century we did,” he said.
“But more than that we created a new country, a strong country, a better county.”
He had a bit to say about the Opposition, who he referred to as “mean” and “lacking imagination”.
Among the other speakers were president of the Australian Nursing Federation Lisa Fitzpatrick; principal of Western Autistic School Val Gill and general manager of Strategy and Partnerships at Questacon Anna Maria Arabia, who spoke in admiration of Mr Shorten’s achievements over the years.
Ms Fitzpatrick told the crowd of more than 400 they were “lucky” to be in Mr Shorten’s electorate.
Mr Shorten said it was a privilege to serve the community of Melbourne’s West as the Member for Maribyrnong, and called for Labor supporters to get behind the party.
“We’re the enlargers, the doers, the dreamers, the fighters- we see the world as it is and want to make it a better place,” Mr Shorten said.
“We go into politics for a reason, to make a difference,” he said.
“I believe, and you believe, Labor’s best days are yet to come.”
Students from Moonee Ponds West Primary School also took the stage, singing as part of the ‘Bill Shorten Choir’.
The entertainment continued at the party where guests enjoyed food and drink while listening to a band which included vocals by Mr Shorten’s wife, Chloe.
