Gerald Lynch, with AAP
After 23 years in Parliament, Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor has called time on a career full of exhaustive work to better the lives of the community.
Mr O’Connor will step down at the next federal election, due by May 2025.
He said it was time he spent more of it at home with his daughter Una, as he thanked colleagues and reflected on his time as a parliamentarian.
“If she wasn’t so resilient and remarkable, I would have left the place long ago,” he said.
The decision was also to ensure he “could provide opportunities for capable and energetic members of our government that could step up” ahead of the next election.
Mr O’Connor served as skills and training minister and was previously employment minister, immigration minister, health services minister and home affairs minister.
He was elected as Burke MP in 2001 before being elected at the Gorton MP in 2004, following electoral redistribution. Mr O’Connor was re-elected in 2007 and 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2022.
Australian council of trade unions (ACTU) secretary Sally McManus said Mr O’Connor should be very proud of his contributions and achievements.
“Brendan has dedicated his working life to improving the lives of Australian workers,” she said.
“The union movement greatly respected his capacity and integrity. He always brought to any task his strong values, and sharp policy brain.
“He always kept his word and was willing to hit the road and talk directly to working people in their communities and workplaces. We thank him for his great service to the country and to working people.”
Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney also announced her intention to retire at the next election.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese lauded the achievement of both his cabinet colleagues.
“We’ll always be grateful for the extraordinary example which these two fine Australians give of why people should enter public life to make a difference,” he said.
