Why senator Patrick Dodson has quit: Top Voice advocate and 'father of Indigenous reconciliation' resigns Parliament amid health battle - and his strange last day at work

Senator Patrick Dodson, who has long been known as the 'father of reconciliation', has retired from politics.

Mr Dodson has represented Western Australia in the Senate since 2016, but has been known for his tireless campaigning for Indigenous rights for decades more.

On Tuesday, Mr Dodson informed Labor of his decision to resign, effective from January 26, 2024 - Australia Day next year.

Mr Dodson has been battling cancer, and said despite seeing 'slow improvements', his recent treatment has left him 'physically unable to fulfill satisfactorily my duties'.

He offered special thanks to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for his work toward reconciliation via the Voice to Parliament referendum, which Australia overwhelmingly voted against 60-40. 

'I thank Prime Minister Albanese for his support and for his appointment of me as Special Envoy for Reconciliation and Implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart,' he said.

'I also place on the record my high regard for his decision to proceed with the recent referendum.'

Mr Albanese later thanked Mr Dodson for his service and enduring friendship.

'It has been my great fortune to be able to count Senator Dodson as a colleague, and my enduring happiness to be able to count him as a friend,' he said.

'I have benefited time and time again from his wise counsel, and he has taught me so much over the years. 

'Patrick is such a generous man. Through 7 years he has gifted every member of our Caucus his wisdom, his courage, his fearless conviction and his eternal good humour. 

'Through the powerful example of his own life, he has given so many of us the gift of a greater sense of perspective. 

'There are few more reassuring sights in Parliament House than seeing Patrick and his hat coming down a corridor towards you.'