Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is taking leave after the death of his mother Ann.

She died on Sunday, aged 79.

“I was very close to my mum. Her passing has come as a shock to me and my family,” Mr Shorten said in a statement.

His mother had a PhD and a law degree, and had worked as a university academic.

Mr Shorten thanked people for their kind messages of support and for respecting his family’s privacy while they grieve.

I was very close to my mum. Her passing has come as a shock to me and my family

He will take some personal leave.

Labor senator Penny Wong will be acting opposition leader in his absence.

Deputy Labor leader Tanya Plibersek is overseas.