04/03/2023
“If it had not been for the women in my life, I would not be standing up today.”
Having lost both her husband and son, the Minister for Indigenous Australians has dealt with grief through the fortifying power of her female friendships. Her historic first speech to federal parliament in 2016 was a celebration of sisterhood and a powerful introduction to who she is and what she stands for.
“Friendships over one’s whole life,” the new member for Barton told parliament, “are rare things indeed.”
Her Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal friends, none of them in politics – held her up in her darkest days. They brought food, stayed with her overnight and checked in every day.
“They metaphorically and physically put their arms around me and helped me get through some very, very sad and difficult times.”
Burney will traverse the country this year promoting the “yes” campaign for the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, which she predicts will be a “unifying moment” for the nation.
A proud Wiradjuri woman armed with hard-won wisdom and empathy, Burney has always envisioned a better future for First Nations people and refused to be bound by bigotry, racism or sexism.
At the link in the bio, Linda Burney talks to Sunday Life about grief, self-belief and the power of female friendship.
Interview: Susan Horsburgh
Photography:
Styling:
Hair: Christine Tran
Make-up: