Cabinet reshuffle looms as ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O'Connor resign

Senior government ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor will retire from federal politics at the next election and immediately vacate their cabinet positions, prompting a reshuffle.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the ministers’ resignations on Thursday, after weeks of speculation that a ministerial overhaul was on the cards.

“In recent times I’ve had discussions with Linda and Brendan about their future, and they have informed me they have decided not to contest the next election,” he told reporters in Canberra.

“As a result, they’ve also made a decision to step down from the ministry to enable a refresh and enable new ministers to take their place and take us forward over the coming months before the election.”

“This provides an opportunity to refresh the frontbench.”

Burney was appointed the Minister for Indigenous Australians in 2022, while O’Connor has served as the Minister for Skills and Training.

Albanese said both ministers had made an “outstanding contribution” to the government and Australia.

“I am proud to call them my friends, I am proud to have witnessed firsthand their passion for this nation, their determination to leave the country better for their contribution as members of parliament and as ministers.”

Albanese said he intended to announce the new ministry on Sunday, with the ministers to be sworn in on Monday.

Who is Linda Burney?

when she became the MP for the NSW seat of Barton in 2016.

After Labor won the 2022 election, the Wiradjuri woman was appointed the Minister for Indigenous Australians.

The 67-year-old held the ministry during the Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum campaign, and : “I think we’re going to see a generation of young Indigenous people emerge as leaders with this as their first campaign under their belt.

“We’ve got to remember that five million Australians said ‘yes’ to recognition, said ‘yes’ to listening and said ‘yes’ to better outcomes.”

Linda Burney wipes away a tear while speaking at a press conference.

Linda Burney was emotional as she spoke about her decision to retire from federal politics. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas

Before joining federal politics, Burney became the first Indigenous person to serve in the NSW parliament in 2003 when she was elected the Member for Canterbury.

Speaking about her decision to resign from federal politics, Burney said she was proud of all that she’d achieved, but it was time for her to “pass on the baton to the next generation”.

“My entire life has always been about service and I believe I have a valuable contribution to make outside the parliament in the future,” she told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.

“I’m really excited about the future for me. There’s a few rodeos left in this body, I assure you.”

Who is Brendan O’Connor?

O’Connor has been in federal politics for over two decades after being elected MP for the Victorian seat of Burke in 2001.

Following an electoral re-distribution, he became the MP for Gorton in 2004.

The 62-year-old has held several cabinet positions throughout his career, including home affairs minister, housing minister, and employment minister.

But he said with his current skills and training portfolio “in pretty good nick”, he decided it was time to retire so he could focus more on his family and give the government an opportunity for “renewal and regeneration”.

Brendan O'Connor spaking in the Hosue of Representatives.

Brendan O’Connor served in cabinet under three different prime ministers. Source: AAP / Lukas Coch

“If someone had told me when I was first elected in 2001, that I would go on to serve in three cabinets, in three Labor governments, under three prime ministers, I would have told them they’re dreaming,” he told reporters in Canberra on Thursday.

“I did not contemplate that I would have had such a remarkably fortunate career.

“I am indebted to the federal parliamentary Labor Party … and I’m indebted to three prime ministers — Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, and Anthony Albanese — for affording me absolutely remarkable opportunities.”

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