As Jenny Macklin, Labor minister for families and social services, announces her retirement, Katharine Murphy discusses her 23 year-long career in politics. Macklin is the longest-serving woman in the House of Representatives and leaves a strong policy legacy, including paid parental leave and the national disability scheme. How has she managed to achieve change? How did she maintain portfolios during the tumultuous Gillard-Rudd years? What does she think of the state of contemporary politics? • Calling time: Jenny Macklin on Labor, leaders and dedication to policy