About TONY BURKE

Tony Burke is the Member for Watson, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Minister for the Arts and Leader of the House of Representatives.

Tony grew up in a small business family, later ran his own small business, and also worked as a local organiser for retail workers. Tony’s portfolios reflect his lifelong commitments to working people and to the arts.

As Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke legislated for 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave and passed the Secure Jobs, Better Pay legislation – which will get wages moving again after a decade of neglect.

As Minister for the Arts Tony Burke delivered Revive, a new National Cultural Policy, the first in close to a decade. As a passionate supporter of the arts he’s committed to making sure that Australian stories are told, both here and overseas – showcasing the best of our creative talent.

Previously in Government – as Environment Minister – Tony was responsible for resolving 100 years of conflict in the Murray-Darling Basin, placing Tasmania’s forests on the World Heritage list, making the second-largest conservation decision in the history of the planet by protecting our oceans, and implementing the comprehensive Creative Australia arts and culture policy.

He has also led the fight against racial hate speech with the iconic Walk for Respect in the heart of his community in Lakemba.