About The Hon. Linda Burney MP
Linda Burney is the Member for Barton, and former Minister for Indigenous Australians.
A proud Wiradjuri woman, Linda was the first Aboriginal person to be elected to the NSW Parliament and the first Aboriginal woman to serve in the House of Representatives.
In May 2022, Linda was appointed as Minister for Indigenous Australians, the first Aboriginal woman to hold the portfolio. As Minister, Linda’s priorities were health, education, jobs, housing and justice issues.
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.
Linda began her career as a teacher in western Sydney, and was later appointed Director General of the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs. She received an Honorary Doctorate in Education from Charles Sturt University in 2002.
Prior to entering Federal politics in 2016, Linda served 14 years in NSW Parliament and held a number of senior portfolios including Family and Community Services.
Linda has also held senior positions in the non-government sector and served on a number of Boards including SBS, the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board, and the NSW Board of Studies.
Celebrating Linda: The impact of her work
“Linda Burney is highly deserving of this award for excellence in leadership. From her early work championing Aboriginal education to becoming the first Aboriginal woman elected to the Australian House of Representatives, and later the first to serve as Minister for Indigenous Australians, Linda’s career has been defined by groundbreaking achievements and profound firsts.
Her leadership in developing the Voice to Parliament referendum and her unwavering commitment to closing the gap in education, health, and economic outcomes for Indigenous Australians further exemplify her transformative impact. Linda’s tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the nation, inspiring future generations to pursue change, justice, and equality for all Australians.” Says General Manager of Women & Leadership Australia, Karen Surmon.