Jana Stewart
ALP Federal

Chair, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee

Elected 2022

4 years

Senator for Victoria (VIC)

Federal - VIC

Jana holds a Clinical Master's in Family Therapy from La Trobe University. She worked as a family therapist for more than 10 years, beginning her career at the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency. She then worked at the Bouverie Centre, a research organisation affiliated with La Trobe University, and later transitioned into the Victorian public service. There, Jana held roles working for the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and then later for the Minister for Child Protection. She served ...

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Committees

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
  • Economics: Legislation
  • Measuring Outcomes for First Nations Communities
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs: Legislation
  • Legal and Constitutional Affairs: References
  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
  • National Anti-Corruption Commission
  • Appropriations, Staffing and Security

Key Staff

  • Hannah Purdy

    Chief Of Staff

    ****@****.gov.au

  • Nikara McCartney

    Office Manager

    ****@****.gov.au

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See It In Action

First Speech in Parliament

27 July 2022

# First Nations Rights # Child Welfare # Gender Equality

  • Personal Background
    • Jana Stewart is a Mutti Mutti and Wemba Wemba woman, the youngest First Nations woman elected to federal parliament.
    • Inspired by family matriarchs, she emphasises the importance of education, cultural identity, and advocacy for her community.
  • Work Experience and Advocacy
    • Significant experience at VACCA, advocating for Aboriginal children and families, and roles in the Victorian Public Service focusing on traditional owner nations.
    • Advocated for important reforms such as the legislated spent convictions scheme and decriminalisation of public intoxication.
  • Policy Goals
    • Strong focus on addressing the educational and health disparities faced by First Nations children.
    • Calls for a minimum age of criminal responsibility to be raised to 14, emphasising the importance of reforming juvenile justice.
    • Highlights the need for gender equality, specifically addressing the pay gap for First Nations women and advocating for inclusive discussions that centre on women of colour.
    • Stresses the importance of regional equity and climate action, urging investment in communities affected by environmental changes.

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FAQ

Jana Stewart represents the Senate seat of Victoria in the Australian Parliament.

Jana Stewart is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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See It In Action

In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Women's Budget Statement

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 14 May

AI Summary

  • Women's labour force participation has reached a record high since 2022.
  • The gender pay gap is at its lowest level on record in Australia.
  • Australia has improved its global gender equality ranking from 43rd to 13th.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Women's Budget Statement

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 14 May

Health Child Care

AI Summary

  • Senator Stewart highlighted over $4.4 billion in investments by the Albanese Labor government since 2022 aimed at ending violence against women and advancing gender equality.
  • Key reforms include expanded paid parental leave, cheaper childcare, and support for fairer wages in female-dominated sectors.
  • Stewart asked how the current budget further builds on these reforms to ensure lasting benefits for women and families.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 17 June 2026

Child Care

We're locking in our 15% pay rise for child care workers. Helping our children learn and grow is one of the most important jobs in the country. But it's been underpaid for too long. We're boosting pay for workers, and making sure centres can't pass those costs on to families. Child care workers show up for our kids. And we’re showing up for them.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 10 June 2026

Indigenous Affairs Indigenous Affairs - General

Media doesn't just report on who leads. It shapes who believes they can. I spoke with EMILY's List Australia's Julia Gillard Next Generation Intern Alex Cowen about the role media plays in whether women, especially First Nations women, even put their hand up. We keep asking whether women are ready for public life. Nobody's asking whether public life, and the media that covers it, is ready for us. #FirstNationsWomen #WomenInPolitics #EMILYsList #MediaRepresentation #LaborWomen
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 12 September 2025

Come join the wonderful Team Stewart! I am currently recruiting for two exciting roles in my Reservoir office: Senior Policy Adviser and Community Campaigns Officer. These positions are perfect for people who want their work to make a real difference – whether that’s building relationships and leading campaigns on the ground, or shaping policy and preparing me for Parliament and Committees. You’ll be part of a small, passionate team that loves what we do and is driven by Labor values. Appl...
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 4 June 2025

Economy

From 1 July, nearly 3 million workers on minimum and award wages will get a 3.5% pay rise. That’s an extra $32 a week for those on the minimum wage, helping more people keep up with the cost of living. This is a real wage increase—above inflation—and it builds on the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to getting wages moving again after a decade of stagnation. Since Labor came to office, minimum wages are up more than 22%. That’s $4.62 more an hour. We’re proud to back in the workers wh...
Open Post