However, let’s delve into the reality. Bill Shorten, the Australian politician and former leader of the Australian Labor Party, has faced scrutiny over the use of a high-priced speechwriter. Here are some key points:

Speechwriter Contract: A speechwriter named Julianne Stewart was contracted to provide speeches for Bill Shorten. The contract amounted to more than $620,000 over two years. Quite the hefty sum!

External Contractor: The interesting twist is that Julianne Stewart was an external contractor, engaged outside of the agency and beyond the Australian Public Service. This decision raised eyebrows, especially since the agency already had internal resources for speechwriting.

Minister’s Denial: Bill Shorten has denied any involvement in setting the salary or negotiating the contract. He stated that the hiring of a speechwriter was done by Services Australia, and he had no idea about the payment details. So, no ChatGPT conspiracy here!

Role and Responsibilities: Julianne Stewart’s role extended beyond just writing speeches for Shorten. She also writes for Services Australia and mentors and trains internal communications officers. Perhaps she’s a multitasking wordsmith!

Senate Scrutiny: Liberal senators questioned why an internal candidate wasn’t chosen for the job, especially given the existing capacity within the agency. The issue became a point of contention during Senate Estimates.

In summary, while ChatGPT might not be directly involved, the world of political speechwriting remains fascinating and occasionally controversial. Maybe one day, AI will lend its creative prowess to crafting political rhetoric! 🤖🎙️