Tony Burke
ALP Federal

Minister for the Arts

Very Safe

15.1% Margin

Elected 2004

21 years

Member for Watson (NSW)

Federal - NSW

Tony was born in 1969 in Sydney and attended St Patrick’s College in the inner-west suburb of Strathfield. He was Vice-Captain and graduated in 1987.

Tony holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney (USYD).

From 1993 to 1995, Tony was an electorate officer to the Labor Senators Graham Richardson and Michael Forshaw and then went on to start a public speaking and advocacy training business. In 1997, Tony started work as an organiser for the Shop Distri...

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Portfolios

  • Minister for the Arts
  • Minister for Home Affairs
  • Minister for Cyber Security
  • Minister for Immigration and Citizenship

Key Staff

  • Georgia Betros

    Deputy Chief of Staff - Arts and Parliament

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

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First Speech in Parliament

29 November 2004

# Small Business # Trade Unions # Lifelong Learning # Climate Change # Globalisation # Workplace Dignity # Education Reform # Community Engagement # Policy Implementation # Social Justice

Personal Background and Values

  • Deeply rooted in the community of Watson, where he has family ties and personal connections.
  • Influenced by parents' work ethic; father owned a pharmacy, instilling a strong sense of service and responsibility.
  • Early involvement in unions, demonstrating a commitment to workers' rights from a young age.

Work Experience and Career Focus

  • Extensive background in small business and trade unions; emphasizes pride in helping people.
  • Ran a successful public speaking and advocacy training business, highlighting the importance of communication skills.
  • Served as President of Bankstown Community College, advocating for affordable education and lifelong learning.

Policy Goals and Future Agenda

  • Focus on key issues: ageing population, climate change, globalisation, and workplace dignity.
  • Advocates for reforms in education to meet the needs of an ageing workforce and changing job landscape.
  • Recognizes the need for a balanced approach to globalisation that respects workers' rights and dignity.
  • Stresses the importance of implementation over policy development, aiming to improve lives and support the vulnerable in society.

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FAQ

Tony Burke represents the electorate of Watson (NSW) in the Australian Parliament.

Tony Burke is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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Media Releases

Chair of the Australia Council Board Robert Morgan to retire

Media Release • 23 May

Arts and Culture

AI Summary

  • Robert Morgan to retire as Chair of the Australia Council.
  • Wesley Enoch appointed as Acting Chair.
  • Tony Burke praises Morgan's role in establishing Creative Australia and modernising the Council.
  • Morgan fulfilled his commitment to transition the organisation before retiring.
  • Enoch, a prominent playwright and Deputy Chair, is expected to continue supporting Australia's cultural landscape.

Act Now. Stay Secure. to protect yourself online

Media Release • 19 May

Technology Digital Technologies

AI Summary

  • Launch of Act Now. Stay Secure. campaign to boost online safety awareness.
  • Key actions include enabling multi-factor authentication, using strong unique passwords, and installing software updates promptly.
  • Over 87,400 cybercrime reports filed last financial year, with incidents occurring every six minutes.
  • Campaign features resources tailored for First Nations and CALD communities, with translations in 20 languages.
  • Minister Tony Burke and National Cyber Security Coordinator Michelle McGuinness stress the importance of individual responsibility in cyber safety.

In Parliament

DOCUMENTS

Presentation

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 27 March

AI Summary

  • The presentation covers significant recent developments in Australian politics.
  • Key issues addressed include environmental policies and economic strategies.
  • The speaker highlights the importance of bipartisan support for upcoming legislation.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Migration

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 27 March

Immigration and Citizenship

AI Summary

  • Questions raised regarding recent changes to migration policies.
  • Government responses highlighted impacts on visa processing times.
  • Concerns expressed about the integration of migrants into local communities.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 30 May 2025

From today, businesses with an annual turnover above $3 million who make a ransomware payment must report it within 72 hours. This is all about ensuring the government is able to better assess the threat landscape and disrupt the ransomware business model.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 5 May 2025

I just want to say thank you to every single person who helped on the Watson campaign. From the countless phone calls, door knocks, and street stalls, to putting up signs, talking to community and handing out out on election day. And most importantly the conversations you have had in lounge rooms, with friends and family and at work. It’s the honour of my life to represent the area. It’s where I’ve always lived and worked. It’s home. Thank you for allowing me to continue delivering for our community.
Open Post

Posted on X • 2 May 2025

Late yesterday the Liberals buried this in their costings. Make sure you send this on to everyone you know.
Open Post

Posted on X • 4 April 2025

It’s unthinkable to make a threat against a school. I’ve spoken to the principal, Father Anthony, and I’m glad that everyone is safe.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 30 May 2025

From today, businesses with an annual turnover above $3 million who make a ransomware payment must report it within 72 hours. This is all about ensuring the government is able to better assess the threat landscape and disrupt the ransomware business model. For more information head to www.cyber.gov.au
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 15 May 2025

It’s a privilege to return as the Federal Member for Watson, Leader of the House, Minister for Home Affairs, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Minister for Cyber Security and Minister for the Arts. There have been some changes with the agencies since I was last sworn in as Minister. Here’s a list of all the agencies that fall under my ministry: ▪️ Australian Border Force ▪️ Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) ▪️ Australian Federal Police ▪️ Australian Transaction Rep...
Open Post