Shaking Linda Burney fights back tears as Albo’s chief Voice campaigner pulls the plug on her political career – as she praises her own intelligence and grace
Linda Burney, Labor’s leading campaigner, was visibly shaking and holding back tears as she ended her political career.
Anthony Albanese announced at a press conference in Sydney on Thursday that Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney and Minister for Skills Brendan O’Connor will step down at the next federal election, due in May 2025.
The announcement allowed the prime minister to make the first changes to his ministry, which has remained unchanged since the May 2022 elections.
On Thursday he praised Ms Burney’s career, saying she had led “an incredible life” and had endured much, having lost her husband and son.
“Anyone who has the honor of calling Linda a friend understands the great power behind her warmth and the courage that is the essence of her grace,” he said.
“The discrimination, hardship and loss she had to overcome in her life are greater than most of us can comprehend.”
As she rose to speak, Ms Burney, who oversaw the failed Voice referendum, said: “I don’t promise I won’t cry.”
“After 21 years in politics, eight years in federal parliament and 13 years in the New South Wales parliament, it is time to pass the baton to the next generation,” she said.
Her voice trembled as she spoke about her personal circumstances: “I’ve had more than enough ups and downs in life.”
Linda Burney (pictured) was emotional as she resigned as Minister for Indigenous Australians on Thursday
From left to right: Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney
She paused, trying to control her emotions, and nervously adjusted her glasses.
“But I think I did it with kindness, grace, resilience, intelligence and integrity,” she said finally.
‘Of course, as the Prime Minister said, the Voice referendum did not produce the outcome we had hoped for, but I think history will respond favourably to it.’
She thanked the prime minister, adding: “I call you Anthony today.”
“To you, Anthony, thank you for always being by my side, for your support and your friendship.”
Mr Albanese said the two departures from the ministry would “allow for a refresh and a number of new ministers to take their place and take us forward in the coming months before the elections”.
In his first two years as minister, he advocated a united cabinet.
“No government has had the same cabinet and ministerial positions in its first two years of existence,” he said.
Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor (pictured) announced his resignation on Thursday
The announcement paves the way for a cabinet reshuffle by Albanese, with speculation that Immigration Minister Andrew Giles will be sacked.
However, the Prime Minister dodged questions about Mr Giles on Thursday.
“What does a reshuffle mean for ministers like Andrew Giles and his future?” asked one reporter.
He replied: ‘That means there will be a reshuffle on Sunday.
“I’m not going to speculate on all the outcomes. We have caucus processes that will be respected.”
Mr Albanese has called for nominations for the front ranks.
He will announce the new ministerial line-up in Canberra on Sunday and the new ministers will be sworn in on Monday morning.
“We have also been an incredibly stable government. No government in living memory has had the same cabinet and ministerial positions in the first two years of its term,” Mr Albanese said.
‘At the next election I will seek to become the first Prime Minister since John Howard in 2004 to complete a term and be re-elected as Prime Minister.’