Jana Stewart
ALP Federal

Secretary of the Australian Labor Party First Nations Caucus Committee

Elected 2022

3 years

Senator for Victoria (VIC)

Federal - VIC

Jana was born in 1987 and was raised in Swan Hill, a rural Victorian town, and Melbourne. She graduated high school from Swan Hill College.

Jana holds a Clinical Masters in Family Therapy from La Trobe University. She worked as a family therapist for more than 10 years, entering the workforce at the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency. She then worked at the Bouverie Centre, a research organisation part of La Trobe University, and then transitioned into the Victorian public service. Th...

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Committees

  • Economics: Legislation
  • Economics: References
  • Finance and Public Administration: Legislation
  • Finance and Public Administration: References
  • Measuring Outcomes for First Nations Communities
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs
  • Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings
  • Human Rights
  • National Disability Insurance Scheme

Key Staff

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First Speech in Parliament

27 July 2022

# First Nations Rights # Child Welfare # Gender Equality # Climate Action # Cultural Heritage # Education Access # Regional Equity # Systemic Racism # Truth and Reconciliation # Family Support

Personal Background and Values

  • Jana Stewart is a Mutti Mutti and Wemba Wemba woman, the youngest First Nations woman elected to federal parliament.
  • Inspired by her family's legacy, particularly her grandmother and parents, she emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and resilience.
  • Acknowledges the sacrifices of her family, aiming to work for a better future for her children and all Australians.

Work Experience and Advocacy

  • Stewart has a background in child welfare, working at the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) and later in the public service focused on traditional owner nations and justice reforms.
  • Advocates for significant reforms in child protection, family support, and education, highlighting the necessity of addressing issues like family violence and the justice system's treatment of Aboriginal children.
  • Stresses the need for a national truth-telling process regarding Australia's history with First Nations peoples, advocating for voice, treaty, and truth as pathways for reconciliation.

Policy Goals and Future Agenda

  • Stewart's vision includes a fairer, more inclusive nation, with a focus on regional equity, climate action, and addressing systemic racism and gender inequalities.
  • Calls for urgent action on climate change, with a particular focus on supporting marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected.
  • Emphasizes the importance of investing in families and children, advocating for policies that ensure equality of opportunity for all Australians.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

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

Jana Stewart is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

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In Parliament

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE: TAKE NOTE OF ANSWERS

Answers to Questions

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 26 March

AI Summary

  • Multiple questions were raised by Parliament members.
  • Ministers provided responses to these inquiries.
  • Key issues discussed included public health, education, and economic policies.

MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

Economy

Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 25 March

Economy

AI Summary

  • Current economic challenges include inflation and supply chain issues.
  • Government measures to support economic recovery are being discussed.
  • The impact of global economic conditions on Australia's economy is emphasised.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 20 June 2025

It seems the office has a new staff member… 🐶
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 19 June 2025

Commissioner Travis Lovett has completed an extraordinary 25-day journey, walking over 400 kilometres from Portland to Parliament. The Yoorrook Commission’s Walk for Truth was a powerful call to action — aiming to reshape the future for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Victoria. Travis set out with a clear message: for all Victorians to walk together, listen deeply, and help lay the foundation for genuine healing. What an incredible turnout of Mob and allies who walked with Commissioner Lovett to the steps of Parliament on the concluding day. A powerful display of community, connection, and the call for truth-telling. Congratulations Travis and Yoorrook Justice Commission — your feet have well and truly earned a rest. #WalkforTruth #FirstNations #ALP #JanaStewart
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

Posted on LinkedIn • 29 April 2025

Multicultural Affairs

I'm proud to announce that a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest $400,000 in the Hellenic Museum Melbourne to support its upcoming exhibition, Rituals: Gifts for the Gods. This investment underscores Labor’s deep commitment to arts, culture, and our multicultural communities. It will help bring more than 100 rare artefacts from Greece, many never before seen outside the country, to Melbourne—offering a powerful exploration of over 8,000 years of Greek history, spirituality, and ...
Open Post