James Burke

Who is James Burke?

James Patrick Burke is a former an Australian politician. He was an Australian Labor Party member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly between 2005 and 2008, representing the electorate of Brennan. James Burke is perhaps most famous for his shock defeat of his namesake, the Opposition Leader Denis Burke, at the 2005 election. Although even he had not expected to be victorious, 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. James studied politics and law at the University College of the Northern Territory, 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, 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.