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A debt of gratitude to the Hon. Jenny Macklin MP

Native Title & Public Interest Law
Macklin
In this letter, Arnold Bloch Leibler Senior Partner, Mark Leibler AC, pays tribute to the Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services, following her announcement that she will retire from politics at the next election.

Dear Jenny,

Since your announcement last week, I have read the tributes in social and mainstream media with interest. 

If there’s a theme to them, it goes to the distinctive blend of hard-headed policy nous and heart-felt compassion that you’ve brought to the Parliament, and to all the various positions you’ve held across your impressive political career.

Over many years, I have engaged with many politicians. My sense would be that not very many of them would either attract or deserve the kind of praise you have received.

As Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia at the time, I know how hard you worked to get the national apology over the line in 2008. It was a far from inevitable achievement and a moment none of us will forget.

Your support of the work of the Expert Panel on Constitutional Recognition was similarly committed, principled and non-partisan. 

In other words, you’ve done important things for all the right reasons and our nation owes you a great debt of gratitude.

All the very best for whatever lies ahead – I have no doubt you will continue to make your mark.

Kind regards,

Mark Leibler 

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