Linda Burney is the Member for Barton and served as Minister for Indigenous Australians from 2022-2024.
Linda works hard to make her diverse community a better place to live. As part of the Albanese Labor Government, she is delivering action on the cost of living, a stronger Medicare, quality education and secure, well-paid jobs.
As the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda focused on improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
During her two years as Minister, Linda is proud to have made a difference to First Nations people in this country and looks forward to supporting the next Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy.
Linda's History
A proud Wiradjuri woman, Linda was the first Aboriginal person to be elected to the NSW Parliament in 2003 and the first Aboriginal woman to serve in the House of Representatives in 2016.
Dedicated to social justice and Indigenous rights, Linda was one of the first Aboriginal students to graduate from Mitchell College, now known as Charles Sturt University, with a teaching degree in 1978.
After beginning her career as a teacher in western Sydney, Linda later went on to be appointed Director General of the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs. She received an Honorary Doctorate in Education from Charles Sturt University in 2002.
Since joining Federal Parliament in 2016, Linda has been the Shadow Minister for Human Services, Shadow Minister for Preventing Family Violence and Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services.
Linda served 14 years in NSW Parliament as the Member for Canterbury. She held senior portfolios, including Minister for Community Services and Minister for the State Plan, and served as Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Linda has also held senior positions in the non-government sector and served on boards including the SBS, the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board, and the NSW Board of Studies.
Linda was appointed to the Cabinet as Minister for Indigenous Australians by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in May 2022.
As of 29 July 2024, Linda stepped down from her role in Cabinet and will continue to serve the people of Barton for the remainder of her term in office.
