In a heartbreaking Facebook post, the Labor leader said Mother’s Day was a special day, but for him and many others it was always a bit difficult.

Mr Albanese said his mum had rheumatoid arthritis that crippled her joints and meant she couldn’t work. She lived on a disability pension.

“She taught me how to save – and how to spend wisely – because every dollar had to count,” he said.

“She also taught me the most important lesson of all: the importance of leaving no one behind.”

He said his mum was “left behind” by people who counted her out and by governments who cut back her support.

“When health funding was cut, the quality of mum’s care was cut too. And when they tried to sell our council house, it felt like our home was being taken from us,” he said.

“I know the difference that governments can make on people’s lives because I lived it. Mum lived it. It’s what motivated me to get into politics.

“To help people. To make life better for people. To make sure no one is left behind.”

Mr Albanese said his mum always gave him unconditional love.

“I feel very privileged to have had that. Mums really are special,” he wrote.

“A happy Mother’s Day to all the mums out there.”