Retirement of Brendan O’Connor and Linda Burney

Brendan O’Connor and Linda Burney have both made significant contributions to building a better Australia, Innes Willox, chief executive of the national employer association Australian Industry Group, said today.

“Mr O’Connor has pursued reform and alignment to build an inclusive skilling system that engages and better prepares Australians for a productive future.

“Notable has been building Jobs and Skills Australia and the Jobs and Skills Councils, both critical elements in the policy architecture that supports our national skilling effort now and into the future.

“His focus on foundation skills, negotiating a new National Skills Agreement and solid support for VET Qualification reform are important legacies, including increased funding for vocational education and training.

“He has always understood how important it is to work closely with industry, both employers and unions, to progress this strategic national importance.

“Throughout his parliamentary career, Mr O’Connor has been a tireless advocate for providing more and better opportunities, particularly for young Australians. His integrity and decency has always shone through in a wide range of consultations on issues that are hugely important to our national future. I wish him and his family, particularly his daughter Una, all the very best into the future.

“Ms Burney, the first Indigenous person in New South Wales politics, the first Indigenous woman in the House of Representatives and the first Indigenous woman to take on this portfolio, has done more than any other in terms of promoting First Nations issues, including in employment and skills development.

“The values that have driven her over the years – kindness, grace, resilience and integrity – are to be admired and valued,” Innes  said.