Labor is mourning the death of “formidable” Victorian senator Linda White following a health battle.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the death of his long-time friend and former union colleague.
“All of our hearts in the Labor family have broken at the passing of Senator Linda White last evening,” he said.
“A beloved friend, a valued colleague, a dedicated parliamentarian and through all her efforts in the wider Labor movement, a devout supporter of working Australians.”
The Senator announced in February she would take leave from parliament due to health issues, and her cause of death has yet to be made public.
Senator White was elected to the upper house at the 2022 federal election.
Employment minister Tony Burke paid tribute to his senate colleague saying she leaves an “extraordinary legacy for working people in Australia”.
“Linda campaigned for years in the union movement for paid family and domestic violence leave,” he said.
“As a senator she helped make it law so no one would have to choose between safety and pay.”
More to come.