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"I am proud to call them my friends. I'm proud to have witnessed first-hand their passion for this nation, their determination to leave the country better for their contribution as members of Parliament and as ministers."
That’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking about two of his long-term colleagues - Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney, and Skills Minister Brendan O'Connor.
Both announcing they will retire from politics come the next federal election, stepping away from their ministries this week.
The Prime Minister celebrating the service of Linda Burney.
"Linda was born into an Australia where she was treated as a second-class citizen, indeed was not recognised. Yet her life is a record of profound firsts."
Ms Burney was the first Indigenous woman elected to the Lower House of both the New South Wales and Federal parliaments.
And the first Indigenous woman to serve in the Indigenous Affairs portfolio.
Something she believes will leave a legacy.
"During my two years as minister, I am proud to have made a difference to the lives of First Nations people in this country and I believe I have made a difference to the whole country."
Ms Burney says she has given her all to reconciliation.
"I have been through more than my fair share of life's ups and downs, but I think I've done it with kindness, grace, resilience, intelligence and integrity. Of course, the Voice Referendum, as the Prime Minister said, didn't deliver the outcome we had hoped, but I think history will treat it kindly. But I know in my heart I gave it all that I could to close the gap and to advance reconciliation."
Praise for Linda Burney flowing unlikely places, including the staunchest Voice opponent, Liberal Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.
In a statement saying that when the day comes that Indigenous Australians have the same life expectations as every other Australian, it will be in part due to Minister Burney’s dedication.
Brendan O’Connor, looking forward to a quieter life.
"And of course, you hear this all the time but it really is about time that I spent more time at home."
Brendan O'Connor entered parliament in 2001, serving as a minister in three Labor party governments, and administering six different portfolios.
He says his current portfolio is the one he’s proudest of.
"Half a million Australians have now enrolled in fee-free TAFE since the election. Well exceeding the election commitment we made well before time and I'm very proud of being associated with that effort."
On Sunday [[28 july]], caucus will choose who'll replace them on the front bench.
Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, the assistant minister for Indigenous Australians, is widely expected to move into Burney’s portfolio.
It's less clear who will replace Mr O’Connor.
And the Prime Minister could make changes beyond what's required, as he prepares for an election, due by May 2025 at the latest.
