A reshuffle of the Federal Ministry is due to be announced on Sunday following the resignation today of Ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor.
Burney, a Wiradjuri woman who has been an MP in the Federal and NSW Parliaments for 21 years, stepped down as Minister for Indigenous Australians, and said she will not contest her seat of Barton at the next Federal election. You can watch her resignation statement here (from 22.40 minutes).
Beneath her statement below is a rolling post of reaction, which has been updated since initial publication.
A strong legacy
Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine statement on Minister Burney’s resignation
On behalf of Reconciliation Australia, I pay tribute to Minister Linda Burney for her decades of work and commitment to First Nations peoples, reconciliation, and Australia.
As a former member of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, Linda is a tireless and long-time supporter of state and local reconciliation groups and movements.
I have known her for most of my life and my entire reconciliation career and know first-hand her dedication and belief in this work.
Her legacy will be marked by her resilience, intelligence and integrity, shining a light on the pathway to reconciliation and justice.
More than most, Linda knows and constantly reminds us of the important part we all need to play as we work together towards a reconciled future.
Minister Burney finishes this stage of her career as the first Aboriginal woman to hold the Federal Ministry for Indigenous Australians, a position she accepted graciously and a role she never took lightly.
A direct and fearless Wiradjuri woman, Linda is always clear about who she is and why she does this work.
“I say this in the strongest possible terms: Governments come and go. Public opinion waves and wanes. We ain’t going nowhere. This is our country. We will never forgo the pursuit of our rights.” Linda Burney 2018
As a friend to, and advocate for, Reconciliation Australia, and an “Aunty” in all the best ways to myself and countless others we owe a debt of thanks to Minister Burney and wish her all the very best for a well-earned break as she starts the next stage of her journey.
Statement: Commissioner Katie Kiss pays tribute to Linda Burney
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Katie Kiss paid tribute to Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, who has resigned from the frontbench and will not contest the next election.
“Ms Burney is an inspiring trailblazer who has been a tireless and courageous leader for First Nations peoples for decades,” Commissioner Kiss said.
“As an Indigenous woman, despite facing discrimination and hardship, she has broken through so many barriers and achieved many extraordinary ‘firsts’ including as the first Indigenous woman to be elected to the House of Representatives.
“In doing so she has made the road easier for the next generation of young Black women leaders following in her wake.
“As Minister for Indigenous Australians she delivered on the promise to our peoples to progress a referendum to change the constitution and give First Nations people a voice to Parliament.
“Ms Burney was a tenacious, resilient and gracious campaigner for the ‘yes’ case. While the outcome of the referendum was devastating, we will never forget her determination and her unshakeable optimism in achieving better outcomes for our peoples.
“I’d like to express my sincere gratitude and deep admiration for her significant contribution to advancing the rights of First Nations peoples during her time in the Australian Parliament.”
More reading
ABC News: Linda Burney’s life in politics and why she decided to step away
National Indigenous Times: Linda Burney thanked for her “resilience, intelligence and integrity” by well wishers after announcing her retirement