Whitton-born Linda Burney is set to make Australian political history by becoming the first Indigenous woman to hold a seat in the federal House of Representatives.
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After weeks of speculation the Deputy NSW Labor leader – a Wiradjuri woman and member for the state seat of Canterbury – has confirmed she will seek preselection for the seat of Barton at this year's federal election.
Ms Burney was the first Aboriginal member elected to the NSW Parliament and said she would bring to the federal parliament a depth of experience.
She is a former director-general of the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs and held ministerial portfolios including fair trading the challenging community services.
Becoming the first Aboriginal woman in the federal House of Representatives would be “important for the Aboriginal community but it's also important for the broader Australian community,” she said.
“However, I will not be defined by my Aboriginality alone.”
