Tara Burnett, a 36-year-old trade unionist and public school teacher, is poised to make headlines as she runs for the federal seat of Cooper in the forthcoming election. Initially skeptical about her candidacy, she has since embraced the opportunity, motivated by her deep-rooted political upbringing in a Labor family and a desire to enact meaningful change. Although she was once a member of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) during the Rudd government, her disillusionment led her to part ways with the party.
Following a period working abroad as a journalist and immersing herself in various political systems, Burnett became involved with the Greens upon returning to Australia in 2012. It was last year that party members encouraged her to contest for the Cooper seat, which remains predominantly held by the ALP.
Burnett has since engaged with the community, driven by her experiences as a local, a teacher, and an advocate for renters’ rights, addressing concerns such as education and housing affordability. Despite initially hesitating to centre her trans identity in her campaign, she found that her candidacy resonated strongly within the queer community, inspiring her to champion wider representation for LGBTQ+ rights in parliament.
Her campaign aims to challenge current Labour MP Ged Kearney, who has historically held the seat since 1972. While the Greens have seen a growing interest—having gained a 6.16 per cent swing against Labour in the previous election—Kearney still secured a comfortable victory. Nevertheless, Burnett believes that the seat is not beyond reach. With shifts in demographic representation due to recent electoral redistributions, she feels a strong campaign could narrow Labour’s lead significantly.
Burnett’s grassroots approach has involved deep dialogue with constituents about their pressing issues, particularly concerning the cost of living and climate change. She emphasises the need for voters to consider alternatives to the longstanding dominance of the ALP and the Liberal Party, arguing for a progressive shift towards addressing societal inequalities.
“The status quo won’t address our issues,” she asserts, expressing her commitment to fighting for equity and a more hopeful future—one driven by the values and priorities of her local community. If elected, Burnett would become Australia’s first trans Member of Parliament, a milestone she views not as a personal achievement but as a crucial step toward representing the broader interests of the queer community. Her advocacy aims not only for progress in policy but also for a profound transformation in the political landscape itself.