Bill Shorten was elected as the Labor Member for Maribyrnong on November 24, 2007. Immediately following the election, the Prime Minister announced that Bill would hold the responsibility of Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services.

On 25 February 2009, the Prime Minister also allocated to Mr Shorten the additional responsibility of Parliamentary Secretary for Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction.

Prior to the election, Bill was National Secretary of the Australian Workers' Union. In that role, Bill has been a key figure in standing up for working families.

As well as being the interim CEO of the Australian Netball Players' Association, Bill was on the advisory board to the Australian Cricketers' Association and Patron of the Australian Jockeys' Association.

Bill has a Law degree as well as a Master of Business Administration, and has sat on two superannuation boards.