Federal Labor MP, Linda Burney, has issued a statement revealing her 33-year-old son has been found dead.
The heartbroken MP said: “I wish to advise that my beloved son, Binni Kirkbright-Burney was found dead last night at our family home in Sydney.
“He is a caring and loving man. He has struggled with mental health and with addiction. He tried so hard to conquer his demons, as I and my family have tried so hard to support him in every way we could.
“I don’t want to pre-empt subsequent inquiry but we all thought we were getting somewhere. I don’t know what life will be like without him.”
She will take leave from Parliament and has asked for privacy “in this dire, grief-stricken time”.
Linda Burney is the opposition’s human services spokeswoman and entered federal politics after thirteen years in NSW Parliament.
She is also the first Aboriginal woman ever to be elected into the House of Representatives. Her unforgettable and empowering maiden speech famously promised to “bring the fighting Wiradjuri spirit”.
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Opposition Leader Bill Shorten led the condolences, poignantly remarking: “I can’t imagine what it’s like as a parent to lose your child. I know how much her son loved Linda and how much Linda loved her son.”
Our thoughts are with Linda and her family at this devastating time.
If you need to talk to someone, you can call Lifeline 131 114 or beyondblue 1300 224 636 or visit lifeline.org.au or beyondblue.org.au
