Jana Stewart
ALP
Federal
Chair, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Committee
Elected 2022
4 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...
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
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Hannah Purdy
Chief Of Staff
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Nikara McCartney
Office Manager
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First Speech in Parliament
27 July 2022
# First Nations Rights # Child Welfare # Gender Equality
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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.
- Jana Stewart is a Mutti Mutti and Wemba Wemba woman, the youngest First Nations woman elected to federal parliament.
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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.
- Significant experience at VACCA, advocating for Aboriginal children and families, and roles in the Victorian Public Service focusing on traditional owner nations.
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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.
- Strong focus on addressing the educational and health disparities faced by First Nations children.
FAQ
Latest Updates
In Parliament
MOTIONS
Kumanjayi Little Baby
Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 12 May
Indigenous Affairs - General
AI Summary
- Kumanjayi Little Baby, a five-year-old Warlpiri girl, is mourned; her community's grief transcends boundaries.
- Vigils held nationwide honour her memory, emphasising unity and respect during this difficult time.
- The loss is framed as a spiritual ache, highlighting the importance of acknowledging grief collectively.
QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE: TAKE NOTE OF ANSWERS
Fuel
Australian Federal Parliament • Senate • 1 April
AI Summary
- Fuel pricing and its implications for Australian consumers are discussed.
- Questions are raised regarding government strategies to mitigate rising fuel costs.
- Concerns are expressed over fuel affordability and its effects on households.
Social Media
Posted on Facebook • 13 May 2026
Indigenous Affairs Indigenous Affairs - General
Posted on Facebook • 13 May 2026
Posted on LinkedIn • 12 September 2025
Posted on LinkedIn • 4 June 2025
Economy