Shoebridge’s First Press‑Club Slam: Calls for Women’s Safety and an End to Russian ‘Blood Money’

David Shoebridge stepped onto the National Press Club stage for the first time and immediately turned the microphone into a megaphone for women’s safety, declaring that all women in the nation should feel safe.

He then turned his attention to fellow parliamentarian Steele‑John, describing the latter’s social‑media posts as “obviously not the way to resolve” the matter at hand.

Without missing a beat, Shoebridge launched a call to end Russian “blood money”, labeling the practice a “real and very nasty policy”.

The audience responded with a mix of applause and bewildered chuckles as Shoebridge blended policy advocacy with a performance‑style delivery, proving that a first‑time press‑club appearance can be both headline‑making and hard‑hitting.