Statement on leadership of the ACTU

Working families are in a stronger financial position today than they would otherwise be because of the tireless advocacy and strong leadership of Sally McManus and Michele O'Neil.

Sally and Michele secured incredible successes for working people in their eight years together leading Australia's union movement - the first all-female leadership team in the Australian Council of Trade Unions' 99-year history.

It is fitting that Sally and Michele announce they're stepping down from their respective positions at a time when there have been significant wage increases in critical and long-undervalued sectors, the gender pay gap is at a record low and union membership is growing for the first time in decades.

The announcement also comes mere days after Sally and Michele's valued contributions at the 50th Australian Labor Party National Conference, a gathering which strongly backed working families to earn more and keep more of what they earn.

Personally, I will miss the friendship and support these two giants of the labour movement have offered me over many years, but especially since I became Labor Leader in 2019 and then Prime Minister is 2022.

I wish both Sally and Michele all the very best in wherever their next paths lead and look forward to working with the new leadership team of the ACTU once they're in place.