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, having fled the war in Europe. Josh was raised in Caulfield and was educated at Mt Scopus Memorial College.

Josh obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University and has held a number of different jobs over the course of his career, including working as a teacher’s aide and as a factory hand. From 2012 to 2014, he worked as the chief of staff to the-then Melbourne Ports federal Labor MP Michael Danby. Jos...

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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

COMMITTEES

Public Accounts and Audit Joint Committee

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 12 May

Budget

AI Summary

  • The Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit has presented draft budget estimates for the Australian National Audit Office and the Parliamentary Budget Office for 2026-27, emphasising the need for transparency and adequate resourcing.
  • Key recommendations include a $10.5 million annual funding increase for the ANAO, removal of the efficiency dividend, and a scalable funding framework tied to Commonwealth expenditure growth.
  • The PBO's budget proposal includes $1.9 million annual funding to sustain services, additional staff for increased demand, and a boost in election-year funding to address operational shortfalls.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 12 May

Multicultural Affairs

AI Summary

  • Mr Burns questioned the Attorney-General about the progress of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
  • He specifically asked for details regarding the recently published interim report.
  • The inquiry is significant due to the impact of the recent terrorist attack on Australian soil.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 12 May 2026

Your pay should go further. You should be able to see a doctor. And you should be able to afford a home. That’s what an ambitious and fair budget looks like.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 12 May 2026

Housing and Homelessness Housing & Homelessness

Too many vulnerable young people are being locked out of social housing because community housing providers can’t afford to take them in. In today’s Budget, we’re doing something about it. The $60M Youth Housing Incentive will help create thousands of additional tenancies for vulnerable young people - keeping them out of homelessness and supporting them thrive. This is the culmination of years of advocacy by the Home Time Campaign who elevated the voices of young people who have experienced homelessness. This investment shows the power of their advocacy.
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