I salute Jenny Macklin for her contribution to Labor and the country.
Australia is a fairer and more decent nation for Jenny Macklins work.
In her more than two decades in public life, Jenny Macklin has been one of Australia's greatest champions for the marginalised and the disadvantaged.
Jenny listened to and spoke up for those across the nation who have too little power in this world and gave them a voice in our Parliament.
Many come into public life aspiring to change the nation for the better.
Jenny has fulfilled this promise in ways that will continue to improve peoples daily lives, and lift our nation for generations.
Even before she entered Parliament, Jenny played a crucial role in developing and strengthening Medicare.
As a Minister Jenny was instrumental in developing and delivering the National Disability Insurance Scheme, improving the lives of the millions of Australians living with a disability and their carers.
The biggest single increase in the aged pension was delivered while Jenny was Minister, lifting the living standards of hundreds of thousands of our most disadvantaged Australians.
She helped Kevin Rudd deliver the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, led the push for a Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, introduced Australia's first national paid parental leave scheme, and at all times, in the parliament and in the cabinet room, Jenny was a voice for those who need it most - the poor, the marginalised, the disadvantaged and those who society had left behind.
We in Labor are privileged to have known her ethical, inclusive and policy-driven leadership.
I am deeply grateful for Jennys personal mentorship and guidance from my first appointment to Labors frontbench to this day.
I have served with Jenny Macklin in Labor cabinets and shadow cabinets for over 14 years. I will miss her.
To Ross and Jennys family, thank you for all you have done.
I believe Australia is a better nation for Labor governments and for Labor reforms. Jenny Macklins contribution affirms this.
Jennys legacy is a powerful reminder of what Labor can do for the country at our compassionate and determined best.
Her example is one we must all strive to live up to in the future.
Authorised by Noah Carroll, ALP, Canberra.