Linda Burney is the first Aboriginal woman in the House of Representatives
‘It’s still sinking in’: First Aboriginal woman to win a seat in Australia’s house of representatives says she’s still adjusting to her historic victory but ‘it’s been lovely’
- Linda Burney is the first Aboriginal woman in the House of Representatives
- She said her trailblazing win on Saturday night was still sinking in
- Ms Burney took reporters chocolates before a Sunday press conference
- She then launched into a scathing attack on Malcolm Turnbull
Indigenous politician Linda Burney says her trailblazing win on Saturday night is still sinking in.
A day after becoming the first indigenous woman in Australia’s lower house, the new Labor MP said she was still coming to grips with the importance of her role.
Ms Burney entered the House of Representatives by winning the fiercely-contested Sydney seat of Barton – also becoming the first woman to do so.
Scroll down for video
In her first press conference since she was elected to Parliament, Linda Burney buttered up reporters with chocolates
‘It’s starting to dawn on me the importance of this role’, Ms Burney told The Express.
‘I’ve had messages (of congratulations) from people living in Germany, Israel, friends in America and other friends of mine have had messages to pass on to me from Switzerland and London.
‘It’s been lovely.’
Ms Burney started her relationship with the media on a good footing, offering a plate of chocolates before her press conference
The hungry and cold press pack happily accepted the treats from Ms Burney
Ms Burney began her Sunday press conference by buttering up hungry reporters with chocolates before outlining her policy priorities for the next three years.
Aboriginal issues and education would be particularly important, she said.
‘I have spent 45 years of my life working in that space and I am horrified the Turnbull Liberal Government will be ripping $28million out of schools in our area and I will fight that with every ounce of strength within me.
‘I am very passionate as you know and, understandably, about indigenous issues, both social justice and recognising Aboriginal people in the Australian constitution.’
Having buttered up the waiting press pack, Ms Burney launched into a withering attack on the Turnbull Government
Ms Burney’s election to the House of Representative is another milestone in her trailblazing career.
In 2003 she became the first Aboriginal female to enter the NSW State Parliament, where she rose to become the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
She told the ABC: ‘Being elected as the first indigenous woman into the House of Representatives is a moment for this country.
‘This was not lost on the people of Barton. They, and we, have made history together.’
Labor’s newest member in the House of Representatives, Linda Burney (centre), arrives at a press conference with her campaign team and a plate of chocolates