Federal MP Josh Burns has spoken candidly about the profound personal challenges he has faced as a Jewish parliamentarian in the current political climate. Representing the Labor party in the electorate of Macnamara, Burns, who is Jewish, detailed the emotional and psychological burden of navigating public life amidst rising antisemitism and global conflicts, particularly in the wake of the October 7th attacks.
A Personal Connection to the Electorate
Burns, first elected in 2019, expressed that he never intended to become known as the “Jewish guy in parliament.” He identifies as a “normal Australian” whose personal history is deeply intertwined with his electorate. His grandparents settled in Australia, eventually finding their way to a community that Burns now has the privilege to represent. This community includes Caulfield, a Melbourne suburb recognized as Australia’s most populous Jewish neighborhood, and the area where Burns grew up.
His connection to the area was underscored by two significant events. In late 2024, the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, within his electorate, was fire-bombed in an incident authorities deemed politically motivated. Just six months prior, Burns’ own parliamentary office was vandalized, with windows smashed and the phrase “Zionism is Fascism” spray-painted on the walls, an act attributed by police to at least five individuals.
Confronting Historical Echoes and Personal Fear
Recounting the aftermath of the synagogue attack, Burns described the visceral experience of standing amidst the ruins, the air thick with the smell of smoke. He reflected on the unsettling feeling of witnessing such events, thinking, “I’ve seen this in history before” and questioning their occurrence in contemporary Australia.
These sentiments were amplified following the terror attack at Bondi Beach, which resulted in 15 fatalities. The attack occurred during a Hanukkah event, a celebration close to Burns’ heart. He recalled the chilling moment a staff member informed him of the shootings. His immediate concern was for his mother and daughter, who were attending a Hanukkah event in Melbourne. This personal connection intensified the situation, prompting him to contact his mother to ensure her safety and then alert the Prime Minister’s office.
Burns emphasized the importance of Australia’s response to such events, stating, “I’ve got to try and make sure our country is responding to this in a way that actually remembers who we are, what our country is [and] what our country represents.” He highlighted Australia’s identity as a nation built by migrants seeking refuge and safety.
The Personal Price of Public Life
The cumulative impact of these events has taken a significant personal toll. Burns described this period as the most challenging of his public life because the issues are “so personal — it’s so intrinsic to who I am.” He acknowledged experiencing internal conflict, particularly when government actions clashed with his identity or the sentiments of his community.
As a Jewish parliamentarian, Burns frequently faces pressure to distance himself from the actions of the Israeli government. He stressed, however, the diversity within the Jewish community, noting, “We are a very complex people. We have a lot of different opinions.” He pointed out that the Australian Jewish community, despite its small size, encompasses a wide spectrum of viewpoints.
Navigating Differences with Partner Georgie Purcell
Burns also addressed his relationship with fellow MP Georgie Purcell, who represents the Animal Justice Party and holds pro-Palestinian views. Despite their differing political stances, the couple recently welcomed a baby girl, adding to Burns’ family, which includes a seven-year-old daughter from a previous marriage. They share their time between Purcell’s farm in Kyneton and their Melbourne home.
The pair finds the notion of being political rivals amusing, asserting they share fundamental values. Burns explained that they engage in “robust political discussion” and that disagreements do not preclude association. He questioned why differing viewpoints should lead to estrangement, stating, “When George and I got together, there was a lot written about us as if somehow there was this conflict.” He added that they discussed how to navigate these differences and work together.
Burns affirmed his commitment to his community and his partner’s right to advocate for her beliefs. “But he would never ask her to ‘diminish what she feels or what she wants to advocate for’, he says. ‘Nor would I be able to diminish my representation for the community I love and grew up in.'”
Understanding ADHD and Its Impact
In a personal revelation, Burns shared that he was recently diagnosed with ADHD. He believes this diagnosis has provided him with significant strength and enhanced his ability to focus on his priorities. “I definitely focus under the pressure and it’s something I’m learning about myself, that it’s actually how I’m wired,” he stated.
He described how the diagnosis has helped him understand his own cognitive processes, particularly in managing daily tasks. Without conscious effort to structure his day, he can easily become sidetracked. The diagnosis has reframed his perspective on his parliamentary work, likening the clarity it provides to putting on glasses.
“It’s a bit blurry but then when you are on top of it and you take your medication, you can just see clearly, and you can move through things and it’s not daunting to start a task,” Burns explained. “You just think about what you need to do, and then you go and do it.” This newfound understanding allows him to approach his responsibilities with greater clarity and less trepidation.
