Bill Shorten reveals why he wants his blended family to become the first to live at The Lodge in Canberra in over a decade – but admits wife Chloe will have the final say
- Bill Shorten married Chloe Bryce in 2009 and are raising three kids together
- The 52-year-old revealed he wants his family to live in The Lodge in Canberra
- He said the decision will be up to his wife saying the ‘transition won’t be easy’
- The Federal Election is less than a week away on Saturday May 18 2019
Bill Shorten has revealed that he would like his blended family to live at The Lodge.
The Opposition Leader would be the first Prime Minister to move his family to the Canberra mansion in over a decade, and the first step-family in history.
Mr Shorten married second wife Chloe Bryce, the daughter of then Governor-General Quentin Bryce, back in 2009.
The pair live with their nine-year-old daughter Clementine, as well as teenagers Georgette (Gigi), 16, and Rupert, 17, from Chloe’s first marriage.
The Opposition Leader married Chloe Bryce, the daughter of then Governor-General Quentin Bryce, back in 2009
The pair have three kids Georgette and Rupert, from her first marriage, and Clementine
The Lodge is the primary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia, in Canberra
The Lodge is the primary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia, in Canberra.
With the Federal Election less than a week away on May 18, Mr Shorten told The Sunday Telegraph that he would like The Lodge to be his family’s new home.
‘The Libs are always out there saying I’m measuring up the curtains. I’m not, I’m thinking about May 18,’ the 52-year-old said.
‘But I do think the Prime Minister should live in The Lodge or Kirribilli.
‘We are a partnership so I will have to speak with Chloe. The transition is not automatic or easy.’
‘We are a partnership so I will have to speak with Chloe. The transition is not automatic or easy’
The Opposition Leader poses for a photo with his wife and kids and his in-laws
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is currently living in Sydney’s Kirribilli House with his family, and only stays at The Lodge during sitting weeks.
Kirribilli House is the secondary official residence of the Prime Minister of Australia.
John Howard had the same arrangement when he was Prime Minister.
Kevin Rudd lived in The Lodge with his wife and kids only during his first stint as Prime Minister.
Julia Gillard lived there with her partner Tim Mathieson during her time as Prime Minister but the pair never had children.
Tony Abbott never lived in the house due to ongoing renovations.
If they move to the Canberra house, Mr Shorten will become the first divorcee as leader of the country, with a second wife and step kids, to move into the house in a decade