Linda Burney has announced she will retire at the next election, and in the meantime will relinquish her role as Minister for Indigenous Australians and move to the backbench.
It calls time on an extraordinary and unprecedented political career.
Burney became the first Indigenous person to serve in the NSW parliament when she was elected as the Member for Canterbury in 2003.
The Wiradjuri woman then stepped into federal politics in 2016, when she won the southern Sydney seat of Barton, becoming the first Aboriginal woman in the House of Representatives.
"I will say that I intend to bring the fighting Wiradjuri spirit into this place," Burney said in her first speech in 2016.
"This mob behind me knows what that is about. I will bring that spirit into this place for the people of Barton, for the first peoples and for those great Labor values of social justice and equality for all people."
Ms Burney announced her retirement alongside Minster for Skills Brendan O’Connor today. Source: AAP / Mick Tsikas
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Ms Burney's 'courage and grace' during a long and distinguished career, pointing out that she was treated as a second-class citizen in her early life.
"What Linda has drawn from everything that she has had to endure is not bitterness or despair, it is positive, it is hope and optimism," he said.
As Minister for Indigenous Australians, Burney pledged to work closely with Indigenous organisations on Closing the Gap and announced increased funding for justice reinvestment and Indigenous-led health programs in partnership with NACCHO.
Mr Albanese highlighted that Ms Burney's time as Minister had seen more investment for Indigenous rangers, remote training and housing, abolished CDP, the controversial remote work-for-the-dole program, and created a national Indigenous children's commissioner.
"For Linda, so much of this work ... has always been personal," he said.
"That can mean setbacks and disappointment more deeply felt. It does mean more tears, joy and sadness alike.
"That passion and that empathy, the true connection that has made Linda an inspirational minister as well as a wonderful friend."
She was also front and centre in the campaign to legalise same-sex marriage when Labor was in opposition.
'Time for a new generation'
An emotional Burney said that during her long career, she had seen a lot, including Paul Keating's famous Redfern speech in 1993, the 2000 walk for reconciliation across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Kevin Rudd's Apology to the Stolen Generations in 2008.
"Progress doesn't always move in a straight line," she said.
"We make progress and then we have setbacks, that's the history of Indigenous justice in this country.
"But with every passing generation, the arc bends a little bit more towards justice.
I have had my bit and the time for a new generation is now.
However, Burney has been criticised for Labor's inaction on treaty discussions and for the fallout from two recent curfews in Alice Springs.
"Every state and territory, bar one, has either a treaty or a truth-telling or both processes underway," she said.
"For me, the issue of truth-telling is not about a judicial process, it's about bringing people together and bringing people with you."
In the past two years Burney has weathered significant health problems, having shoulder and heart surgery, which led to changes in her speech.
"I was the first Indigenous person elected to the NSW parliament, the first Indigenous woman in the House of Representatives, the first Indigenous woman to be appointed by this wonderful man here [Albanese] to Cabinet, but I won't be the last," she said.
"To me, that is progress. It's time to hand the baton on.
It's been one heck of a journey and I have loved every minute of it.
Mr Albanese said he will announce his new cabinet on Sunday.
Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Senator Malarndirri McCarthy is expected to move into the senior portfolio.
Senator McCarthy described Ms Burney as a trailblazer in a Facebook post.
"Linda has made the pathway possible for other First Nations people to follow," she said.
"Linda has dedicated her life to improving the lives of First Nations Australians and bringing all Australians together to advance reconciliation.
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said Ms Burney's legacy will endure. Source: AAP / LUKAS COCH/AAPIMAGE
Dozens of other politicians also took to social media to pay their respect to Ms Burney, including Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
"While we have often differed in our views of how to best end Indigenous disadvantage, Minister Burney’s career has been driven by a burning desire to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians," Senator Nampijinpa Price posted.
"When the day comes that Indigenous Australians have the same life expectations as every other Australian, it will be in part due to Minister Burney’s dedication in area of politics filled with difficult and harrowing realities."
First Nations organisations also praised Ms Burney's work and commitment, with Catherine Liddle, chief executive of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, saying Ms Burney has been a driving force for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“She was absolutely integral in the federal government's commitment to stand up a National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, a role which will impact the lives of our children for generations," she said.
Ms Burney told NITV that she was humbled by the messages of support from First Nations people.
"My message is embrace who you are," she said.
"Be proud of who you are.
"Know that our place in this country is unique and I love you."
