Australia news live: Anthony Albanese praises Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil as ‘giants’ as they step down from ACTU

Prime minister pays tribute to secretary and president of the Australian Council of Trade Unions after surprise announcement. Follow updates live

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In a statement, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, described Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil as personal friends and “giants of the labour movement”.

He said:

Working families are in a stronger financial position today than they would otherwise be because of the tireless advocacy and strong leadership of Sally McManus and Michele O’Neil.

Sally and Michele secured incredible successes for working people in their eight years together leading Australia’s union movement – the first all-female leadership team in the Australian Council of Trade Unions’ 99-year history.

Union membership is growing, and workers have over 47 new workplace rights. But of course, there are still big challenges with cost-of-living pressures, AI, and billionaires who have too much wealth and power.