Ex-NSW MP Shaoquett Moselmane stakes claim to key Labor seat ahead of Albo’s reshuffle

With the departure of two long-running allies, speculation is rife about who could replace Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor in Anthony Albanese’s hotly anticipated cabinet reshuffle.

A former Labor MP whose home was raided in an ASIO foreign interference probe and who has been on the forefront of Australia’s pro-Palestine movement has staked a claim to the key seat of Barton.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that Shaoquett Moselmane will run for preselection in the southern Sydney seat being vacated by former Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney.

Supporters loyal to Mr Moselmane were trying to whip up support for him less than two hours after Ms Burney announced her retirement.

One text, seen by the Telegraph, said Burney’s resignation “is an opportunity for our dear friend The Hon Shaoquett Moselmane to be endorsed by Prime Minister Albanese”.

“Please contact your federal member and call on them to support shaoquett (sic) for the federal seat of Barton. Please do not delay. It’s time,” it said.

Shaoquett Moselmane has confirmed he will run for the seat of Barton. Picture: Monique Harmer

Mr Moselmane confirmed he would run.

“I have never stopped serving (the) multicultural community and the wider mainstream community for the past four decades. In that spirit I hope to be given the opportunity to serve the people of Barton,” he said.

Mr Moselmane’s home was raided as part of an ASIO investigation into concerns the Chinese government was working to influence the office of a sitting MP.

At the time he said he was not a suspect and no charges were ever laid.

“Let me tell you, I have done nothing wrong. I have done nothing wrong. I have never jeopardised the welfare of our country or our people,” he said at the time of the raid.

Mr Moselmane quit NSW parliament after getting dumped from the upper house ticket before the 2023 election but has been vocal in calling on Labor to recognise Palestine since the Hamas-Israel war began.

Labor insiders expect the preselection to be contested by a “Melbourne Cup field” of candidates, but said it was too early to call a front runner.

Off the back of a short holiday in Queensland, Anthony Albanese announced two of his closest political allies — Labor left’s Ms Burney and Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor — would retire at the next federal election due in 2025.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese with retiring Ministers Linda Burney and Brendan O’Connor during a press conference on Thursday. Picture: Nikki Short

The pair are also stepping down from the front bench — allowing a pre-election refresh for Mr Albanese.

Mr Albanese said he will announce a revamped ministry on Sunday and nominations were now open for front bench positions.

“You couldn’t ask for a better colleague and friend than Brendan O’Connor and you won’t find a more decent human being,” Mr Albanese said.

“Everyone who meets Linda Burney shares in the joy of her company and the light of that wonderful smile and anyone who has the honour of calling Linda a friend understands the great strength behind her warmth.”

Both long-serving Labor ministers said they intended to spend more time with their families after years spent in public service.

Labor sources speculate bruised Immigration Minister Andrew Giles would be moved out of his role after a disastrous year where criminals were released out of immigration detention and into the community.

Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles.

Minister for Home Affairs of Australia, Clare O'Neil.

Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil was also referenced as a minister on the move with sources saying she could ditch her poisoned chalice for housing.

An emotional Minister Burney called on fellow Indigenous Labor politicians Malarndirri McCarthy, Marion Scrymgour, Jana Stewart and Gordon Reid to continue her legacy of advocating for Indigenous Australians.

But speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Ms Burney did not advocate for an Indigenous politician to replace her in her portfolio — saying it was a matter for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

“That will be the decision of the Prime Minister,” she said.

Indigenous Affairs Assistant Minister Ms McCarthy is widely tipped to replace Ms Burney in her role.

Opposition Indigenous Affairs spokesman Jacinta Nampijinpa Price thanked Ms Burney for her contribution to First Nations people.

“While we have often differed in our views of how to best end Indigenous disadvantage, Minister Burney’s career has been driven by a burning desire to improve the lives of indigenous Australians,” she said.

Speaking on his decision, Mr O’Connor said he wanted to be a “team player” who allowed the Albanese front bench to have “renewal and regeneration”.

“You really hear it all the time but really it is about time to spend more time at home,” he said.