Linda Burney's announcement that she will retire at next federal election has been met with a plethora of well wishes from across the country, with the Minister for Indigenous Australians heralded as a tireless advocate for Indigenous causes.

On Thursday, Ms Burney, 67, announced she would step down from the cabinet, and retire at the end of this electoral cycle, having become the first Aboriginal woman in the House of Representatives when she was first elected in the southern Sydney seat of Barton in 2016.

Reconciliation Australia paid tribute to Ms Burney, who is a former member of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, with chief executive Karen Mundine calling her a "tireless and long-time supporter of state and local reconciliation groups and movements".

"Her legacy will be marked by her resilience, intelligence and integrity, shining a light on the pathway to reconciliation and justice," Ms Mundine said.

"More than most, Linda knows and constantly reminds us of the important part we all need to play as we work together towards a reconciled future."

Thank you. pic.twitter.com/EUi9UZai7W

— Linda Burney MP (@LindaBurneyMP) July 25, 2024

Before entering federal politics, Ms Burney served in a variety of senior portfolios in NSW parliament, becoming the first Indigenous person to do so.

Since winning government in 2022, where Ms Burney won Barton with a two-party-preferred margin of more than 15.5 per cent after receiving just over 50 per cent of the primary vote, Labor has enacted a series of policies aimed at helping First Nations communities.

These have included the abolishing of the cashless debit card - which was viewed as negatively impacting Indigenous communities - as well as announcing a series of large spends on Indigenous housing and health, focusing on rural and regional areas.

Ms Burney was the first Aboriginal woman to hold the federal Portfolio for Indigenous Australians, with Ms Mundine saying it was a position she "accepted graciously and a role she never took lightly".

"A direct and fearless Wiradjuri woman, Linda is always clear about who she is and why she does this work," she said.

"As a friend to, and advocate for, Reconciliation Australia, and an 'Aunty' in all the best ways to myself and countless others we owe a debt of thanks to Minister Burney and wish her all the very best for a well-earned break as she starts the next stage of her journey."

Thank you, Minister. Breaking down barriers and opening doors for our mob. All the best for what comes next. pic.twitter.com/t1kybesWBC

— First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria (@firstpeoplesvic) July 25, 2024

The First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria took to social media to offer their congratulations to Ms Burney.

"Thank you, Minister. Breaking down barriers and opening doors for our mob. All the best for what comes next," the Assembly tweeted.

Journalist and Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman, Bridget Brennan, tweeted: "Linda Burney is a person of enormous integrity and warmth, it was such a moment to see the first Aboriginal woman lead the Indigenous Affairs ministry. She will go down in history, particularly for her courage last year in the face of so much hate".

Assistant climate change minister Jenny McAllister thanked Ms Burney for her "remarkable contribution to our national life".

"You've taken every chance to bring together the personal, cultural and spiritual stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people so we can better understand ourselves as a nation," Ms McAllister said.

"Your commitment to truth-telling has shone through in everything you've done. And you've never shied from speaking about the hard and difficult challenges we need to face together."

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said there were few more "gracious" leaders in the country than Ms Burney.

"Australia is richer for her powerful advocacy for First Nations people. Her voice is one of kindness, resilience, integrity, and intelligence," Ms Wong said on social media.

"I learned long ago that when Linda speaks, we should all listen."

In a statement, Ms Burney said whilst she was the first Indigenous person elected to NSW Parliament, and the first Indigenous woman elected to the House of representatives and the federal cabinet, "I know I won't be the last".

"To me that's progress," she said.

"It's been one heck of a journey; I loved every minute of it."