Tony Burke
ALP Federal

Minister for the Arts

Very Safe

16.52% Margin

Elected 2004

22 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.

After his schooling, Tony attained 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...

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Portfolios

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

Committees

  • Cabinet: National Security
  • Cabinet: National Security Investment
  • Cabinet: Parliamentary Business

Key Staff

  • Georgia Betros

    Deputy Chief of Staff - Arts and Parliament

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

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See It In Action

First Speech in Parliament

29 November 2004

# Small Business # Trade Unions # Climate Change # Lifelong Learning # Globalisation # Workplace Rights # Education # Community Engagement # Social Justice # Economic Policy

Personal Background and Values

  • Grew up in a small business family; father ran a pharmacy, instilling a strong work ethic.
  • Experienced in small business through own company, Aticus Pty Ltd, focusing on public speaking and advocacy training.
  • Deeply values the importance of community and family support, with strong ties to local and state politics.

Policy Focus Areas

  • Advocates for the importance of small business and trade unions, highlighting personal experiences with both.
  • Emphasises the need for lifelong learning due to an ageing population and changing job market; supports affordable education initiatives.
  • Recognises climate change as a pressing issue that requires urgent collective action across all levels of government.
  • Discusses the implications of globalisation on human rights and workplace dignity, advocating for fair treatment of workers amidst economic competition.

Vision for the Future

  • Aims to contribute positively to national discussions, focusing on policy implementation that improves the lives of Australians.
  • Believes in the Labor Party's capacity to bring about change and support vulnerable communities while promoting economic growth.

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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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See It In Action

Media Releases

Industry leaders to help develop new National Cultural Policy

Media Release • 2 April

Indigenous Affairs Arts and Culture Indigenous Affairs - General

AI Summary

  • The Australian Government is developing a renewed National Cultural Policy with Expert Panels and a Policy Advisory Group.
  • Five Expert Panels have been created, focusing on First Nations, artist centrality, storytelling, cultural infrastructure, and audience engagement.
  • Industry leaders from various fields have been appointed to provide insights and inform the policy, ensuring it reflects cultural diversity.

INDUSTRY LEADERS TO HELP DEVELOP NEW NATIONAL CULTURAL POLICY

Media Release • 2 April

Indigenous Affairs Media and Communications Arts and Culture Indigenous Affairs - General

AI Summary

  • Establishment of Expert Panels and a Policy Advisory Group to develop the National Cultural Policy.
  • Panels focus on five key pillars: First Nations First, Centrality of the Artist, A Place for Every Story, Strong Cultural Infrastructure, and Engaging the Audience.
  • Members include notable figures like Darren Dale, Susan Templeman, and Tony Burke, bringing diverse expertise to the policy's development.

In Parliament

COMMITTEES › Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence

Membership

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 1 April

AI Summary

  • Membership changes in the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence announced.
  • New representatives appointed to improve oversight and accountability.
  • Committee focuses on defence policy, budgeting, and strategic issues.

DOCUMENTS

Presentation

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 1 April

AI Summary

  • The Australian Federal Parliament reviewed various documents related to recent presentations.
  • Key discussions included the implications of the presented materials on current policies.
  • Members expressed differing opinions on the effectiveness and relevance of the presentations.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 29 March 2026

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the week leading up to Easter known as Holy Week. It’s today for me but next Sunday for those who follow the Orthodox calendar.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 26 March 2026

Congratulations Bangarra Dance Theatre - awarded a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in Dance by the Venice Biennale 2026. Australia is proud!
Open Post

Posted on X • 27 February 2026

Statement on arrest in WA.
Open Post

Posted on X • 17 February 2026

I will not repeat her words, but last night and today's comments from Pauline Hanson are wrong and cruel. They are comments not worthy of someone who holds public office. Please just apologise.
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 26 March 2026

Congratulations Bangarra Dance Theatre - awarded a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement in Dance by the Venice Biennale 2026. Australia is proud!
Open Post

Posted on LinkedIn • 25 March 2026

Rhoda Roberts, you are respected, you are revered, we are grateful for you. You are loved. https://lnkd.in/gUSvfwk9
Open Post