James Burke (Australian politician)
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James Patrick Burke (born February 4, 1971) is an Australian politician. He has been an Australian Labor Party member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly since 2005, representing the electorate of Brennan. Burke is perhaps most famous for his shock defeat of then-Country Liberal Party Opposition Leader Denis Burke at the 2005 election. Although even he had not expected to have any chance of victory, he swept aside the incumbent member, and won what had been the CLP's safest seat with a swing of more than 20%.
James Burke was born in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea in 1971. His family were due to move to Darwin just after Christmas of 1974, but were delayed by the onset of Cyclone Tracy, which virtually obliterated the city. The family eventually moved to Darwin in 1976. Burke studied politics and law at the University College of the Northern Territory (then part of the University of Queensland), but switched to the equivalent course at the new Northern Territory University in 1989. He was involved in student politics throughout his time at university.
James was a founding member of the Darwin Youth Sister City Organisation (DYSCO), a community youth group within the Darwin City Council’s Sister Cities programs. He was also a member of the Haikou Sister City Community Committee. In 1994, James was one of four students to go to Haikou, China on a 12 month exchange. He also assisted in the formation of the Ambon Youth Sister Cities Group.
James was employed in the Northern Territory Public Service from 1995 to 2000, in Territory Health Services then the Office of the Public Trustee. James went to Melbourne to pursue his legal career having been unable to secure a position with a local firm. He worked as a solicitor for 11 months with Gadens Lawyers then approximately 3½ years with Maurice Blackburn Cashman, before returning to the Territory in August 2004 to take up a position as Industrial Officer with the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU).
He is married to Sharon McKenzie (now Sharon Burke) with a daughter Leesa, 17, son Brandon, 3 years. Their third child Flynn, was born in September in 2005. James’ sister, mother and grandfather live in Darwin. James played soccer into his early 20s and coached an under 6 and under 15 side. In addition, James served with the Army Reserves for approximately 3 years.
