Josh Burns
ALP Federal

Chair, Human Rights Committee

Very Safe

12.3% Margin

Elected 2019

6 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

  • Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
  • Human Rights
  • National Anti-Corruption Commission
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First Speech in Parliament

22 July 2019

# Indigenous Recognition # Healthcare Access # Financial Security # Gender Equality # Community Engagement # Diversity and Inclusion # Mental Health Services # Historical Legacy # Local Heritage # Labor Party Values

Personal Background and Values

  • Grateful to represent Macnamara, acknowledging the diverse cultural heritage of the area.
  • Shares a message from the Boonwurrung people emphasizing unity and shared aspirations despite differences.
  • Inspired by family history, particularly his grandparents’ resilience and dedication to hard work, which shapes his values of community support and financial security.
  • Recognizes the importance of education, healthcare, and gender equality shaped by his family's experiences.

Local Community and Heritage

  • Describes the rich diversity of the Macnamara electorate, highlighting its unique history and culture.
  • Honors Dame Jean Macnamara, a pioneer in medicine and champion of children's health, linking her legacy to his commitment to public service.
  • Acknowledges the contributions of previous member Michael Danby and the significance of community engagement in shaping policy.

Policy Goals and Aspirations

  • Advocates for financial security, noting the challenges young Australians face in homeownership and job stability.
  • Emphasizes the need for equitable access to healthcare, particularly mental health services, promoting an increase in Medicare sessions.
  • Stands against bigotry and racism, calling for a nation that embraces diversity and inclusivity, inspired by the legacy of Bob Hawke.

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FAQ

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

Josh Burns is a member of the Australian Labor Party.

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In Parliament

ADJOURNMENT

Macnamara Electorate: Jewish Community

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 26 March

AI Summary

  • Discussion on issues impacting the Jewish community in the Macnamara electorate.
  • Highlighting the importance of cultural diversity and community support.
  • Call for increased awareness and action against anti-Semitism.

COMMITTEES › Human Rights Joint Committee

Report

Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 26 March

AI Summary

  • The report highlights key human rights challenges faced in Australia.
  • It includes recommendations for legislative and policy reforms.
  • Focus areas include Indigenous rights, gender equality, and refugee protections.
  • The committee emphasises the need for greater government accountability.
  • Calls for public consultations to involve community perspectives in reforms.

Social Media

Posted on Facebook • 1 May 2025

A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest $35 million to support The Fox: NGV Contemporary at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). A dedicated arts display space, exhibition galleries, a rooftop sculpture garden, and new urban gardens ‘Laak Boorndap’, The Fox: NGV Contemporary will link Southbank to the parklands. Hosting 2.8 million people last year, this NGV expansion, delivered in partnership with the Victorian Government, is expected to attract an extra 1 to 2 million visitors every year. Only a re-elected Albanese Labor Government will support Australia’s art and culture sector.
Open Post

Posted on Facebook • 30 April 2025

Right across our community, Labor will invest in community language schools. Macnamara is diverse, and growing up in our community I experienced that diversity everyday. We are home to so many fantastic local community language schools - teaching Latvian, Hebrew, Hungarian, Greek, Korean, Yiddish, and more. This investment will mean thousands of children can connect with their culture and heritage, and that’s worth celebrating.
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