Senior minister leaves legacy as Indigenous trailblazer

Linda Burney has been lauded for her efforts to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)

Outgoing minister Linda Burney has left a legacy as a trailblazer for Indigenous people across the nation, advocates say.

Ms Burney, who served as Indigenous Australians Minister, and Skills Minister Brendan O'Connor will step down at the next federal poll, due by May 2025, with the government to announce a pre-election reshuffle.

Both overcame personal tragedies to serve decades in parliament and gave an emotional farewell alongside the prime minister.

Ms Burney was the first Indigenous person in the NSW parliament, the first Indigenous woman in the House of Representatives and the first to hold the Indigenous Affairs portfolio.

"But I won't be the last - to me, that is progress and it's time to hand the baton on," she told reporters on Thursday.

On the failed referendum for an Indigenous voice to parliament, Ms Burney said there were silver linings in millions of Australians voting 'yes'.

She gave her all to reconciliation.

"I was in Redfern in 1993 when Paul Keating made his Redfern speech, on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2000 for the walk for reconciliation," she said.

"I was in the chamber when Kevin Rudd made his apology on behalf of the Australian people in 2008.

"I've seen a lot, and let me tell you that progress doesn't always move in a straight line but with every passing generation, the arc bends a little bit more towards justice.

"I've done my bit and the time for the new generation is now."

Anthony Albanese, Linda Burney, Brendan O'Connor
Anthony Albanese said the resignations provide an opportunity to renew his frontbench.

Her work in the portfolio left a legacy for Indigenous people to follow, the chair of First Nations organisation Children's Ground William Tilmouth said.

"She has shown strength, dignity and commitment to our people and in her efforts towards improving First Nations justice," he said.

"Being the first to break down political barriers is not easy - it is trailblazing."

Opposition spokeswoman Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said Ms Burney "has been driven by a burning desire to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians".

Ms Burney had a tumultuous time in politics following the death of her 33-year-old son Binni Kirkbright-Burney in 2017.

"I have been through more than my fair share of life's ups and downs but I think I've done it with kindness, grace, resilience, intelligence and integrity," she said.

Mr O'Connor also overcame tragedy after his wife Jodi Dack died in 2018.

Anthony Albanese and Andrew Giles
Anthony Albanese is expected to dump Andrew Giles as immigration minister.

He thanked colleagues and reflected on his decades in parliament, saying he planned to spend more time at home with his daughter Una.

"If she wasn't so resilient and remarkable, I would have left the place long ago," he said.

A revised ministry will be announced in Canberra on Sunday and sworn in on Monday after Labor factions put forward their picks.

Andrew Giles is expected to be sacked as immigration minister after coming under fire for his handling of a High Court case that led to the release of more than 150 immigration detainees.

A factional ally and friend of the prime minister, Mr Giles is expected to be moved sideways rather than be dumped from the outer ministry.

Indigenous senator Malarndirri McCarthy is tipped to be elevated into cabinet to replace Ms Burney, leaving one more Left faction place.

Mr Albanese's confidant Pat Conroy is regarded as next in line to be brought into cabinet, which would open up a spot in the outer ministry.

Assistant ministers Tim Ayres, Jenny McAllister and Anthony Chisholm are in the mix for a promotion.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store