From PM-in-waiting to dog-patting VC: Bill Shorten roasted for ‘cringe' social media video while in $860,000 uni boss job
The video has prompted debate about his lucrative $860,000 per year salary and the state of university leadership amid massive job cuts.
The failed Labor leader was once on track to become prime minister before it all fell apart at the 2019 election in dramatic fashion when he proposed massive changes to negative gearing and franking credits.
But nowadays, Bill Shorten has retired from politics into a cushy Vice Chancellor position at University of Canberra worth $860,000, at the same time the institution cuts more than 150 staff.
While those academics pack up their desks, Mr Shorten is posting quirky social media videos to his personal Instagram.
In the video, Mr Shorten can be seen awkwardly patting a dog while two young girls run around him in circles and dance in sped-up footage reminiscent of 'Benny Hill'.
The scene, presumably intended to be light-hearted, was quickly met with ridicule online.
'Shorten's salary is reported as $860k per year and you serve this cringe slop,' one user said in response.
'A million bucks a year as VC for this?' another said.
'Reminder he's getting paid $860,000 a year while your HECS debts are insanely high, oh and by the way he also got his degree for free too.
'My HECS is paying Bill to run delegate numbers.'
The backlash has amplified ongoing criticism of Mr Shorten's ascension to the University of Canberra's top job.
His appointment to Vice Chancellor, without professional academic experience, doubled his salary from the $404,000 he earned as a frontbencher in the Albanese government.
The $860,000 package includes superannuation and benefits.
Meanwhile, the university has saved about $30 million by letting go of 150 staff.
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