Labor ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor have announced their retirement from politics and will not be running for re-election. Burney, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, and O’Connor, the Skills and Training Minister, will also be stepping down from their cabinet positions, leading to a reshuffle within the ministry.
Burney made history as the first Aboriginal person elected to the NSW Parliament and later became the first Aboriginal woman elected to the Federal House of Representatives in 2016, representing the Sydney seat of Barton. O’Connor, on the other hand, has served as a minister in three Labor governments since his election in 2001.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the contributions of the retiring ministers, calling them friends and highlighting their dedication to the country. Albanese also announced that their retirements would lead to a cabinet refresh, with new ministerial lineup expected to be announced soon in Canberra.