Linda Burney, the shadow minister for human services, has taken leave from parliament after the sudden death of her son.
The Labor MP released a statement on Wednesday saying her 33-year-old son, who had struggled with mental health and addiction, had died in Sydney overnight.
“I wish to advise that my beloved son, Binni Kirkbright-Burney was found dead last night at our family home in Sydney,” Burney said in a statement.
“The NSW police advise that there appears to be no suspicious circumstances but the cause of death is yet to be determined.
“I returned to Sydney last night to be with him this one last time. Binni is 33 years old. 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.
“I understand I am a public figure but in this dire, grief-stricken time for me, I ask that you respect my and my family’s privacy in all respects. When I can, I will speak about this.”
Burney was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016, winning the federal seat of Barton. She was the first Indigenous woman to be elected to the House.
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has sent its condolences to Burney and her family, with NSWALC chair Roy Ah-See saying the Land Rights network would be in shock today and would be grieving her loss.
“Our thoughts are with Linda Burney and her family during this extremely difficult time.
“When the terrible news broke this morning, I was in Canberra with Aunty Matilda House who also sends her condolences.”
Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie in 2015 revealed her own son’s struggle with drug addiction.
During a debate about welfare payments, Lambie said her then 21-year-old son was addicted to ice, and she would be opposing the government’s social services legislation amendment bill which would have removed welfare payments for people in psychiatric institutions.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
