Josh Burns
ALP
Federal
Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness
Very Safe
11.8% 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...
Committees
- Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade
- Human Rights
- National Anti-Corruption Commission
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.
FAQ
Latest Updates
In Parliament
MATTERS OF PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Housing
Australian Federal Parliament • House of Reps • 30 July
Housing & Homelessness
AI Summary
- Housing affordability remains a critical issue affecting many Australians, with calls for urgent action from the government.
- The discussion highlights the need for comprehensive policies to address supply shortages and improve access to housing.
- Several speakers emphasise the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local governments to tackle the housing crisis.
AI Summary
- Parliament members raised concerns about the increase in antisemitism in Australia.
- Calls for government intervention and stronger anti-discrimination measures were made.
- The importance of societal awareness and education on antisemitism was emphasised.
Social Media
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