Two federal Labor politicians held hands in in a moving show of solidarity for frontbencher Linda Burney, whose son was found dead at home in Sydney on Tuesday night.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Burney said her 33-year-old son, Binni Kirkbright-Burney, had died after a long battle with mental health and addiction. His death involved “no suspicious circumstances”.
Burney, who made history as the first female Indigenous member of Australia’s House of Representatives in July 2016, said he had “tried so hard to conquer his demons” and she didn’t know “what life will be without him”.
On Wednesday, as opposition leader Bill Shorten acknowledged Burney’s immediate leave of absence and offered his condolences in Parliament, two federal MPs – two mothers – embraced across the aisle in a show of support. The moment was captured by Fairfax photographer Andrew Meares.
Labor MPs Embrace In Beautiful Moment Of Respect For Linda Burney https://t.co/DnfbQpobj0
— A/Prof Rhonda Wilson (@RhondaWilsonMHN) October 25, 2017
Top Comments
Oh come on. You take that from this whole event. It just gives background to the tragedy faced by Linda and her family. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this time and also the hundreds of other families who have faced similar circumstances.
Why mention that they are Labor at every opportunity. Anyone would think you were making a political point out of this gesture.
You're probably right, WB, they could just cite 'Female MP' and it would be almost tautological to mention 'Labor'.