Josh Burns
Australian Labor Party Member for Macnamara
Currently sitting
Photo: TheScrubby, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Seat and party history (1)
- Australian Labor Party - Macnamara (House) - 18 May 2019 to present
- Seat and party records: OpenAustralia member data.
Contact
Electorate office: (03) 9534 8126
219 Barkly Street, St Kilda VIC 3182
Office details: Parliament of Australia, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Contact details on aph.gov.au Profile on OpenAustraliaNot sure if this is your member? Find your electorate (AEC)
These counts cover what is on this site only. They do not measure electorate work or committee work.
Compared with other members
Josh Burns compared with all 150 sitting House members.
Questions asked in Question Time
Higher than 62% of House members- This member
- 15
- Average
- 11.2
- Median
- 12
Debates spoken in
Lower than 64% of House members- This member
- 22
- Average
- 35.9
- Median
- 30.5
Votes cast
Same as the median- This member
- 265
- Average
- 253.0
- Median
- 265
Share of divisions voted in
Lower than 51% of House members- This member
- 80%
- Average
- 79%
- Median
- 81%
Read these with care
- The median is the middle member: half did more, half did less. It is less affected by a few very active members than the average.
- Ministers answer questions rather than ask them, and the presiding officers rarely vote, so their patterns differ.
- Government backbenchers are often given arranged "Dorothy Dixer" questions, which raises their question counts.
- Votes only record ayes and noes, so a missed vote cannot be told apart from a pair (an agreed absence).
- Counts cover only what is on this site, and do not measure electorate or committee work. New members have less history.
Question Time
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked what the government was doing to protect children from harmful online content and combat antisemitism in the education system.
Background: Concerns were raised about the rise of antisemitism online and its impact on children.
Answer from Jason Clare
The minister stated that the government had appointed David Gonski to chair the Antisemitism Education Taskforce to address teacher training and curriculum changes. He highlighted the role of algorithms in spreading hate speech and conspiracy theories, citing research that teenagers could be exposed to antisemitic content within an hour of using social media. He supported the digital duty of care to mitigate these risks.
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked how the government was helping women and children fleeing violence into safe housing and why this approach was superior to other methods.
Background: The government was implementing measures to support women and children fleeing violence.
Answer from Tanya Plibersek
The minister stated that safe housing was critical for women and children to escape violence, noting that many endured abuse to avoid homelessness. She highlighted the government's $1.2 billion investment to deliver 55,000 crisis and transitional homes, including the $300 million announced earlier. She contrasted this with the previous government's record of building only 373 social homes in a decade. She also referenced the First Action Plan on violence against women, which included $4.4 billion in funding, permanent leaving violence payments, and support for frontline workers.
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked how the government was delivering for Australian workers and what could threaten this progress.
Background: The member asked about the government's delivery for workers and potential risks to this progress.
Answer from Amanda Rishworth
The minister highlighted world-leading minimum standards for gig workers, resulting in 25 per cent higher earnings for some delivery drivers, and reinvigorated enterprise bargaining. She cited ABS data showing nominal wage growth above three per cent for four years and real wage growth in the June quarter. She identified the opposition parties as the primary risk, arguing they had historically opposed wage increases and would cut wages if elected.
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked how the government was making medicines cheaper and how new PBS listings were changing lives.
Background: A government member asked the Minister for Health about making medicines cheaper and the impact of new PBS listings.
Answer from Mark Butler
The minister noted that over 460 new medicines had been listed on the PBS since the government took office, with 10 more to be listed on 1 July. He highlighted the listing of Tezspire for severe asthma, which affects one in 10 Australians. He stated that without the PBS listing, patients would pay up to $1,600 per injection, but with the listing, they would pay PBS prices. He emphasised that this would provide life-saving relief to patients who could not control their asthma with inhalers alone.
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked why the government's housing reforms are important for first-home buyers and what risks exist to this work.
Background: The member sought to highlight the importance of recent housing reforms for first-home buyers.
Answer from Clare O'Neil
The Minister stated that housing reforms aim to create a fairer system for first-home buyers, workers, and taxpayers. She highlighted the five per cent deposit program to level the playing field with investors. She criticized the opposition for supporting the status quo and privilege, asserting that Labor supports aspiration and homeownership for ordinary Australians.
Question from Josh Burns
The member requested an update on the progress and findings of the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion.
Background: The member asked for an update on the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion, including its interim report.
Answer from Michelle Rowland
The Attorney-General stated that the Royal Commission, led by Justice Virginia Bell, had received over 10,000 submissions and commenced hearings on 4 May. The interim report, delivered on 30 April, found no gaps in legal frameworks that impeded law enforcement but made 14 recommendations, including enhancing counterterrorism capabilities. The government would adopt all Commonwealth-related recommendations. A final report was due by 14 December. The government continued to support the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism and implement counter-terrorism strategies.
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked about the government's response to combating antisemitism and why a bipartisan approach was important.
Background: The question addressed the government's response to antisemitism and the importance of bipartisan cooperation.
Answer from Richard Marles
The Deputy Prime Minister recalled a visit to a Jewish school in Melbourne where antisemitic slogans had been spray-painted, highlighting the impact on children. He noted that antisemitism had worsened since 7 October 2023, affecting Jewish students and artists. He stated that the government had criminalised more forms of hate speech, appointed an envoy, and committed to implementing the envoy's report. He emphasised that combating antisemitism required rising above party politics, citing the American Jewish Committee's call for unity and warning against politicising the issue.
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked how the AFP was addressing antisemitic crimes and what progress had been made.
Background: The question concerned the Australian Federal Police's efforts to crack down on antisemitic crimes.
Answer from Tony Burke
The Minister referred to the arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in the member's electorate. He stated that the AFP had identified an alleged offshore offender, referred to as Person No. 1, as a top priority. This individual, who had been deported, was linked to illicit tobacco trade and violent crimes, including suspected links to the synagogue firebombing. The AFP shared information with international law enforcement, leading to the individual's arrest in Iraq in January. The Minister stated that keeping the individual out of Australia and in custody was the best outcome.
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked what the government was doing to reduce student debt and make the education system fairer.
Background: The member asked about government actions to help Australians with student debt and improve the education system.
Answer from Jason Clare
The Minister stated that student debt would be cut by 20 per cent in the coming weeks, averaging a reduction of $5,120 per person. He highlighted the introduction of paid practical training for nursing and teaching students, with over 65,000 applicants. He also noted the opening of new medical schools and university study hubs in regional areas.
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked what the government is doing to help Australians with student debt and make university education fairer.
Background: The question aimed to showcase the government's student debt reduction policy.
Answer from Jason Clare
The Minister stated that the government is cutting HECS debts by 20 per cent, with reductions starting in November and most completed by Christmas. He noted the average cut is about $512. He also highlighted reduced annual repayments, saving approximately $1,300 for those earning $70,000. He emphasized that these measures were voted for by Australians and criticized opposition members for opposing them.
Question from Josh Burns
The member inquired about government measures to educate additional medical staff to bolster Medicare for the long term.
Background: The government had pledged to educate additional medical staff to bolster Medicare.
Answer from Jason Clare
The minister announced that paid practical training for nursing, midwifery, teaching, and social work students had started on 1 July, with more than 30,000 people having applied. He confirmed that a new medical school at the Queensland University of Technology would start training doctors from 2027. End-to-end medical training at the University of Tasmania in Launceston would begin in 2026, and a new medical school at Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory would also start next year. Additionally, 100 extra medical Commonwealth supported places would be rolled out next year, with applications opening the previous week.
Question from Josh Burns
The member requested an update on the government's delivery of housing commitments for young people and first-home buyers, and what barriers remained.
Background: A government member asked the Prime Minister to outline progress in helping young Australians and first-home buyers achieve homeownership and identify any obstacles.
Answer from Anthony Albanese
The Prime Minister cited a recent visit to Lawson, where he met a young couple who purchased a home using the five per cent deposit scheme. He noted the government had advanced the start date of this policy from 1 January to 1 October. He explained that the scheme covers lenders mortgage insurance, reducing the time needed to save for a deposit. He linked this to broader supply-side measures announced the previous day, including fast-tracking 26,000 homes awaiting environmental approval, encouraging prefabricated construction, and pausing the National Construction Code for four years.
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked what actions had been taken regarding the investigation into the arson attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue.
Background: A government member asked for an update on the investigation into the arson attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue.
Answer from Tony Burke
The Minister reported that Australian Federal Police had executed seven search warrants and arrested a 21-year-old man alleged to be one of three perpetrators. He noted that the investigation involved over 200 officers and 50,000 hours of work, including offshore elements. He mentioned that $250,000 had been committed for Torah restoration and $30 million for rebuilding the synagogue. He also stated that the rabbi and his family had been granted permanent residency.
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked how the government was supporting minimum award wage workers and what risks existed to that safety net.
Background: A government member asked about support for minimum award wage workers and risks to the safety net.
Answer from Amanda Rishworth
The minister reported that almost three million lowest-paid workers received a 3.5 per cent wage increase from 1 July. She highlighted new legislation to protect penalty rates for workers on weekends, public holidays, and unsocial hours. She identified the opposition as a risk to these protections, citing their criticism of the government's actions. She emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring workers earn more.
Question from Josh Burns
The member asked what the government was doing to build a fairer school system and whether alternative approaches would leave Australians worse off.
Background: A government member asked about improvements to the school education system.
Answer from Jason Clare
The Minister cited agreements with multiple states and territories for the biggest new investment in public education, including phonics and numeracy checks and free catch-up tutoring. He criticized the previous government for cutting $30 billion from school funding, which he linked to a drop in high school completion rates. He stated that the opposition would cut this funding if elected.
Other Parliamentary Activity
-
Housing
House of Representatives · Tuesday 8 September 2026 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026, National Self-exclusion Register (Cost Recovery Levy) Amendment Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 13 August 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026, Income Tax Rates Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 3 June 2026 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Cost of Living
House of Representatives · Monday 25 May 2026 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Budget
House of Representatives · Wednesday 13 May 2026 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism (Criminal and Migration Laws) Bill 2026; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Tuesday 20 January 2026 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Bondi Beach Attack Victims
House of Representatives · Monday 19 January 2026 · Condolence
Contributed to this debate
-
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 27 November 2025 · Second Reading
Opened this debate
-
Excise Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025, Customs Tariff Amendment (Draught Beer) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Thursday 27 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025, National Environmental Protection Agency Bill 2025, Environment Information Australia Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Customs Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Excise Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (General Charges Imposition) Bill 2025, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Restoration Charge Imposition) Bill 2025; Second Reading
House of Representatives · Wednesday 5 November 2025 · Second Reading
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Albanese Government
House of Representatives · Monday 3 November 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Housing
House of Representatives · Monday 27 October 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Middle East
House of Representatives · Tuesday 7 October 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: mixed
-
B'nai B'rith: 80th Anniversary
House of Representatives · Monday 1 September 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Antisemitism
House of Representatives · Wednesday 27 August 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Housing
House of Representatives · Wednesday 30 July 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Small Business
House of Representatives · Monday 28 July 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
National Security
House of Representatives · Monday 28 July 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: oppose
-
Environment
House of Representatives · Thursday 24 July 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Albanese Government
House of Representatives · Thursday 13 February 2025 · Matter of Public Importance
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
-
Macnamara Electorate: Midsumma Pride March, Gender and Sexual Orientation, Child Care, Macnamara Electorate: Infrastructure
House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 February 2025 · General Debate
Opened this debate
-
Antisemitism
House of Representatives · Tuesday 4 February 2025 · General Debate
Contributed to this debate · Position: support
- Votes recorded
- 265
- Aye votes (48.7%)
- 129
- No votes (51.3%)
- 136
Showing the latest 50 votes.
-
Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Veterans' Healthcare With...
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 85, Noes 40 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 42, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
17 Sep 2026 · Ayes 42, Noes 89 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 85, Noes 44 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 87, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 9, Noes 85 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 86, Noes 47 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 45, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Private Health Insurance Amendment (Modernising the Private Health Insurance ...
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 46, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Rearrangement
16 Sep 2026 · Ayes 84, Noes 13 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Rearrangement
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 49, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Consideration of Legislation
15 Sep 2026 · Ayes 69, Noes 10 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Consideration of Legislation
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 43, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 95, Noes 43 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Regulatory Reform Omnibus Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 95, Noes 42 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Albanese Government; Attempted Censure
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 46, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Statute Update Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
14 Sep 2026 · Ayes 84, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 95, Noes 37 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Online Safety Amendment (Strengthening Enforcement for the Social Media Minim...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 96, Noes 36 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative-Improved Forest Management in Multi...
10 Sep 2026 · Ayes 38, Noes 92 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Telecommunications Legislation Amendment (Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation...
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 52, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Gun Control
9 Sep 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 47 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Veterans
7 Sep 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 49 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 84, Noes 34 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Economy
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 41, Noes 85 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Universities Accord (Opening the Doors of Opportunity) Bill 2026; Considerati...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 90, Noes 36 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2026; Report from Federation Cha...
20 Aug 2026 · Ayes 39, Noes 90 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Australia's Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Amendment Bi...
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 38, Noes 80 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026; Report from Federation Chamber
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 41, Noes 84 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Combatting Illicit Tobacco Bill 2026; Report from Federation Chamber
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 10, Noes 67 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 83, Noes 44 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
News Media Bargaining (Administration) Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 65 · Failed
VOTED NO -
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026; Consideration in Detail
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 69 · Failed
VOTED NO -
News Journalism Payments Bill 2026; Second Reading
19 Aug 2026 · Ayes 40, Noes 83 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Third Reading
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 103, Noes 14 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 102, Noes 14 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 11, Noes 62 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 58 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 61 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 58 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 33, Noes 95 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Consideration in ...
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 96, Noes 9 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Second Reading
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 86 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Interactive Gambling Amendment (Gambling Reform) Bill 2026; Second Reading
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 12, Noes 85 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion
18 Aug 2026 · Ayes 87, Noes 48 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026; Reference to Federation Chamber
12 Aug 2026 · Ayes 40, Noes 83 · Failed
VOTED NO -
International Relations: Australia and Japan
12 Aug 2026 · Ayes 88, Noes 41 · Passed
VOTED AYE -
Aged Care Amendment (Restoring Human Override for Aged Care Needs Assessments...
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 42, Noes 87 · Failed
VOTED NO -
Suspension of Standing and Sessional Orders
11 Aug 2026 · Ayes 74, Noes 12 · Passed
VOTED AYE
About this page
This page tracks Josh Burns's parliamentary activity: questions asked and answered in Question Time, debates spoken in, and votes in divisions. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; each one links to the official record.