The NSW Teachers Federation will today honour former federal and state minister Linda Burney with its Champion of Public Education award, recognising her lifelong dedication to public education and student equity.
One of the first Aboriginal students to graduate from Mitchell College of Advanced Education, Ms Burney began her teaching career at Lethbridge Park Public School in 1979, and went on to become a powerful advocate for the role of public education to address Indigenous disadvantage.
Ms Burney worked in the Aboriginal Education Unit (Policy) of the NSW Department of Education and was executive officer of the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) from 1983 to 1987. Ms Burney went on to lead NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs from 2000 to 2003 before being the first Aboriginal person elected to the NSW Parliament in 2003. She was also the first Aboriginal woman elected to the federal House of Representatives and the first Aboriginal person to serve as the federal Minister for Indigenous Australians.
"Linda Burney represents the transformative power of public education and has been one of its fiercest advocates," NSW Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra said. "From classroom teacher to government minister, she has never forgotten her roots in our public school system.
"Ms Burney understands that public education is the foundation of a fair and democratic society. Her career exemplifies how public schools can nurture leaders who give back to their communities."
The Champion of Public Education award recognises individuals who have made exceptional contributions to advancing public education and its values.
