The Morning Edition Bill Shorten on his random, oblique reference in the Epstein files
Feb 5, 2026
Bill Shorten, former federal opposition leader and now Vice‑Chancellor of the University of Canberra, reacts to a weird mention of him in the Epstein files. He discusses surprising texts linking Steve Bannon and Clive Palmer, how big-money ads affected the 2019 campaign, risks of foreign influence, and the role of tech, misinformation and electoral safeguards.
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Bannon Bragged About 2019 Election Role
- Bill Shorten recounts being surprised that Steve Bannon boasted to Jeffrey Epstein about influencing the 2019 Australian election via Clive Palmer's ad spend.
- Shorten says Palmer's late $83 million ad blitz hurt his campaign and he had no prior knowledge of Bannon's involvement.
Palmer's Changing Story On A 3am Call
- Shorten describes Clive Palmer's shifting statements about whether he spoke to Steve Bannon, first denying then recalling a 3 a.m. call.
- Shorten expresses scepticism that Palmer would genuinely forget such a call given his attention to his spending and critics.
Digital Misinformation Skewed Campaigns
- Shorten notes the alt-right were better organised digitally and Labour were naive about online misinformation.
- He highlights algorithms and targeted ads spreading false claims like 'third trimester abortions' to sway voters.