Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) secretary Sally McManus and president Michele O’Neil announce they are stepping down from their top roles, prompting a leadership shake-up. Multiple outlets report the pair make a joint announcement on Monday night, saying they are resigning after leading together for about eight years. The Guardian and ABC describe the planned change as creating space for “the next generation” in union leadership, while The West Australian similarly notes the end of an eight-year partnership at the head of the ACTU. The Guardian also reports Prime Minister Anthony Albanese comments on the departures, praising both as longstanding figures in the labour movement and describing them as “giants.” Across coverage, the focus is on the surprise timing and the significance of their simultaneous exits from the ACTU, which is one of Australia’s most influential peak union bodies. The reports do not specify immediate successors, but they indicate the ACTU leadership will change following the resignations.