As the papers said, it was a genuinely heartfelt valedictory speech https://ministers.dss.gov.au/speeches/16816 dealing with much more than the just disability and the NDIS. And that's because Shorten - former Opposition Leader and almost Prime Minister - has always been a massive political presence. The puzzle is picking the real man from the manufactured politician. His career has included so many remarkable dimensions that it was difficult, yesterday, for the radio interviewers https://ministers.dss.gov.au/transcripts/16811 and television presenters https://ministers.dss.gov.au/transcripts/16806 to pick them apart. It's silly to even attempt to compress a political life such as his into a few hundred words. A life as rich as his deserves much more - because he has, quite genuinely, changed the world. Whatever motivation first drove him to push the NDIS, whatever the scheme's current failings, it's important to recognise Shorten created something where, previously, nothing existed. It's a remarkable accomplishment and deserves to be celebrated.