STATEMENT FROM ALP NATIONAL SECRETARY PAUL ERICKSON

ALP National Executive has unanimously resolved to award National Life Membership to two towering figures in our movement – Wayne Swan and Linda Burney.

Wayne Swan was nominated for National Life Membership by the Australian Workers Union (AWU) and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA). 

Linda Burney was nominated for National Life Membership by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese MP.

National Life Membership will be awarded to Wayne Swan and Linda Burney by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and incoming ALP National President Kate Ellis at the ALP National Conference dinner on Friday 24 July 2026.

On behalf of the National Executive I wish to congratulate both Linda and Wayne on this honour. It is a fitting recognition of their decades of service to our party and movement.

QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE

It is an honour to be part of Labor's 50th National Conference where we'll recognise my great friends Wayne Swan and Linda Burney as Life Members.

Wayne Swan has dedicated his life to improving the lot of working Australians. Wayne helped guide Australia through the GFC as Treasurer, and has served admirably and successfully as ALP President since 2018 overseeing the return of Labor to Government.

Linda Burney, is a trailblazer. The first Indigenous person elected to the NSW lower house, the first Indigenous woman elected to the Australian House of Representatives and the first Indigenous woman to be the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. Above all, Linda is a source of optimism for our nation. Linda is a guiding light for Labor who never stops fighting for causes she believes in.

National Life Membership citation: Wayne Swan

Wayne Swan has made an extraordinary contribution to the Australian Labor Party and the nation through decades of principled leadership and reform.

Wayne has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Labor values, from his involvement in the Queensland Labor movement leading the campaign to win back Government after 32 years, to serving as Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister.

Through his service Wayne has demonstrated a deep belief in fairness and opportunity for all.

His leadership helped guide Australia through the Global Financial Crisis, earning international recognition.

Beyond Parliament, Wayne has retained an enduring influence. He continues to passionately advocate for progressive ideas, and strengthening the Labor movement through mentoring, policy development and organisational renewal.

Wayne Swan’s lifelong service and dedication make him a truly deserving recipient of National Life Membership of the ALP.

National Life Membership citation: Linda Burney

Linda Burney has devoted her life to advancing opportunity and social justice through the Australian Labor Party.

A proud Wiradjuri woman, Linda made history as the first Indigenous woman elected to the House of Representatives, later becoming the first Indigenous woman to serve as Minister for Indigenous Australians.

Throughout her distinguished career in both the New South Wales and Federal Parliaments, Linda has led with grace, compassion and courage.

Her achievements include championing self-determination, investing in remote housing, expanding Indigenous Rangers, and creating the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.

Linda Burney's extraordinary contribution reflects the very best of Labor's values and makes her a truly deserving recipient of National Life Membership of the ALP.

THURSDAY JULY 23, 2026