At a recent community celebration in Lakemba, what should have been a joyful occasion was briefly clouded by threats from individuals outside the local area. “There were people not from the community who had circulated messages about coming to intimidate me,” said Minister Tony Burke. “After consulting with police, I followed their advice and left the event early. I was likely safe due to security, but if things had escalated, it could have endangered others.”
Despite the disruption, Burke used the moment to highlight a defining quality of the Lakemba community: its resilience and harmony. “One of the most remarkable things about our local area is that, regardless of the conflicts people may have experienced before arriving in Australia, once they’re here, we live together in unity. That’s something I’m determined we never lose.”
As the federal election approaches, Tony Burke—Speaker of the House of Representatives, Minister for Home Affairs, and Minister for the Arts—spoke candidly in an interview with journalists Mamdouh Sukkarieh and Tony Alam. Representing the Watson electorate since 2004 as a Labor MP, Burke shared his priorities, concerns, and the values that continue to guide his political journey.
The Cost of Living: A Local Priority
Burke emphasized that the number one issue raised by constituents during door-to-door visits is the rising cost of living. “Inflation has been felt everywhere—people see it every time they check out at the supermarket,” he said. “That’s why we’ve focused on three critical steps: bringing inflation down, lifting wages, and cutting taxes.”
When Labor took office, inflation stood at 6%. “We’ve brought it down to 2.4%, which is why interest rates have started to fall,” Burke said. “Wages are finally growing again, and we’ve delivered income tax cuts for all taxpayers—not just the highest earners. Under the former plan, only top earners like politicians would benefit. We changed that to ensure everyone who pays income tax gets a cut.”
According to Burke, average tax relief has now risen from $40 a week to $50 after recent legislative changes. “In contrast,” he added, “Peter Dutton has promised to reverse all three of these gains. He opposed cheaper medicines, free childcare, wage increases, and tax cuts. That’s not what Australians need right now.”
Delivering for the Community
Burke highlighted the many infrastructure improvements he’s helped deliver across Watson: from upgraded schools to redeveloped hospitals in Bankstown and Canterbury. “Everywhere you go in the electorate, there’s a project I’ve backed—roads, community centers, hospitals,” he said. “But in this election, cost of living remains the issue that affects everyone.”
He urged voters to consider the record: “I’m asking people to vote based on what I’ve delivered and the values I represent. Because if I lose this seat, it puts Peter Dutton one step closer to becoming Prime Minister—and his record shows he doesn’t share our values.”
On Housing and Immigration
Addressing housing affordability and rental prices, Burke was frank: “There just haven’t been enough homes built. We introduced a series of housing packages, many delayed but now finally in motion. The work is starting, and it’ll move quickly.”
Labor’s new $10 billion housing initiative includes support for first-time home buyers with 5% deposits and rental housing construction. “The problem isn’t just about demand,” he explained. “We also need skilled workers to build these homes. And many of those workers come through immigration.”
On immigration, Burke clarified: “Cutting immigration isn’t a magic fix. Immigrants are building our homes. The issue was with international students—many were brought in by colleges without adequate housing plans. We’ve reduced that intake by 30%, and now universities must build accommodation if they want to bring in students.”
A Humanitarian Stance on Gaza and Palestine
Burke has been one of the strongest voices in the government advocating for Palestinian rights and humanitarian support. “The idea that we shouldn’t have helped people fleeing Gaza is unacceptable,” he said. “I’ve personally granted over 1,100 humanitarian visas to Palestinians—qualified, decent people seeking refuge. Many had family here. One woman I met is a pharmacist who just wants a new life while hoping for peace back home someday.”
He added that Palestinians were placed on the same humanitarian visa path as Ukrainians, including the opportunity for permanent residency. “I’ve been attacked in Parliament over this, but I feel no pressure—I know it was the right thing to do. It was good for them and good for Australia.”
Australia has also granted 12 humanitarian visas to Israelis fleeing the violence. “We’ve helped both sides,” Burke said. “But when it came to Palestine, Peter Dutton said he wouldn’t have let them in.”
Burke also underscored his role in advancing Labor’s official policy to recognize the State of Palestine. “I personally pushed that through our National Conference. So when Australia voted at the UN to enhance Palestine’s status, it was directly linked to my efforts.”
He recounted his visits to the West Bank and Jerusalem, describing the injustice he witnessed firsthand. “I’ve stood with families whose homes were demolished in the night. I’ve seen settlers in Hebron walk the streets with automatic weapons. The suffering must end. We need a two-state solution, peace, and dignity for Palestinians.”
A Message to the Community
With thousands still stranded in Gaza, Burke continues to monitor their status and push for more humanitarian access. “Many of them already had Australian visas but couldn’t leave. We’re working to ensure they can cross when the border reopens.”
Looking ahead to the election, Burke urged voters to think about what’s at stake. “This election will come down to wages, health, housing, and tax. Nobody can afford frozen wages, rising healthcare costs, or reversed tax cuts. Prescription medicine is now cheaper—down to $30, the lowest in 20 years.”
He concluded with a warning: “People think Peter Dutton can’t win—but Australian elections are always close. If we lose even one seat, including Watson, he’s back in play. That would be a serious step backward.”
Hope for a Shared Future
Despite the challenges, Burke remains deeply hopeful. “The greatest achievement of Australia is that no matter who you are, where you’re from, or what your faith is—you get to build the same future here,” he said. “I’m proud to be building that future with all of you.”
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