Josh Burns
ALP Federal

Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness

Very Safe

11.8% Margin

Elected 2019

7 years

Member for Macnamara (VIC)

Federal - VIC

Josh was born in Melbourne in 1987. His Jewish grandparents migrated to Melbourne after fleeing the war in Europe. Josh was raised in Caulfield and was educated at Mt Scopus Memorial College.

He studied at Monash University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. Before his election to public office, Josh built a diverse work history, working on the ground as a teacher's aide and a factory hand. He later transitioned into public policy and political strategy, serving as a state and federal go...

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Committees

  • Appropriations and Administration
  • Public Accounts and Audit
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See It In Action

First Speech in Parliament

22 July 2019

# Community Values # Financial Security # Gender Equality # Mental Health Access # Indigenous Recognition # Environmental Sustainability # Anti-Bigotry # Affordable Housing # Diversity and Inclusion # Civic Responsibility

Personal Background and Values

  • Josh Burns expresses gratitude for the opportunity to represent the people of Macnamara, sharing a message from the Boonwurrung people on unity and community values.
  • He highlights his family history, particularly the stories of his grandparents, who faced adversity and instilled in him the importance of hard work, compassion, and fighting for justice.
  • Burns reflects on his grandfather's influence, advocating for financial security for Australians, especially in the face of rising housing unaffordability.

Policy Goals and Community Focus

  • Advocates for women's rights and equal pay, inspired by his grandmother’s struggles, indicating a commitment to gender equality.
  • Emphasises the need for universal mental health care access, critiquing the limited current sessions available under Medicare.
  • Calls for recognition of First Nations people in the Constitution and a commitment to environmental sustainability, referencing Indigenous wisdom.

Social Issues and Advocacy

  • Conveys a strong stance against bigotry, advocating for an inclusive Australia that celebrates diversity and condemns discrimination based on race, gender, or religion.
  • Reflects on the importance of community involvement and the role of government in creating a fair society, inspired by historical figures like Bob Hawke.

Read Full Speech

FAQ

Josh Burns represents the electorate of Macnamara (VIC) in the Australian Parliament.

Josh Burns is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

Latest Updates

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See It In Action

Media Releases

JCPAA to hold hearing on Commonwealth Financial Statements

Media Release • 28 April

Technology Digital Technologies

AI Summary

  • Public hearing scheduled for 29 April 2026, 9.30am to 12.30pm (AEST).
  • Key topics include compliance with section 83 of the Constitution, IT control environment, and emerging technologies.
  • Witnesses include representatives from ANAO, Department of Defence, and various other agencies.
  • Hearing to be broadcast live on the Parliament House website.
  • Further inquiry details will be available on the Committee website.

SOCIAL HOUSING BUILDS SURGING AHEAD

Media Release • 13 October 2025

Indigenous Affairs Housing and Homelessness Indigenous Affairs - General Housing & Homelessness

AI Summary

  • SHAP to deliver 4,251 new social homes, exceeding the 4,000 target.
  • 1,057 homes completed; 3,194 under construction with a commitment to increase First Nations housing from 320 to 427 homes.
  • Part of a larger housing plan including 1.2m homes target, $3 billion New Homes Bonus, and various training and construction initiatives.

In Parliament

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Taxation

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 4 June

AI Summary

  • Tax reform has passed the House, aimed at making housing more affordable for younger Australians.
  • The bill will now proceed to the Senate, with a focus on delivering on the election promise to improve housing access.
  • Concerns raised about the Liberals and Greens potentially collaborating to block the legislation, undermining homeownership opportunities for young people.

FEDERATION CHAMBER › CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS

Windsor Community Children's Centre

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 3 June

Education Early Education

AI Summary

  • Swinburne University senate council approved the sale of the Windsor Community Children's Centre site after extensive community campaigning.
  • The centre is a community-run early education facility, supported by local parents and residents throughout the process.
  • A $4.3 million contribution from the federal government, along with support from the local council, has facilitated the sale.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 19 June 2026

Some activities to keep you warm this weekend, Macnamara
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 18 June 2026

Small Business

We want it to be easier for people to buy their first home. But we also want to make it easier for people to invest and do business in Australia. Today’s changes are about getting the balance right. We’re expanding CGT concessions to every single small business - that’s 2.7 million or 98% of all businesses in Australia. And we’re consulting on a new 50% capital gains discount for innovative start-ups. This is about helping people buy their home, supporting small businesses, and encouraging new local startups.
Open Post

Posted on X • 13 April 2025

Images of Neo Nazis gathering are chilling anywhere, but especially here in Macnamara. Our community is one where we are proud of our diversity - everyone is welcome and can feel at home. Standing up to these racists is above politics and I send solidarity to James Paterson.
Open Post

Posted on X • 4 March 2025

To threaten a place of worship is a threat to every single one of us. The targeting of a Mosque is unacceptable and must be outrightly condemned.
Open Post