Sourced positions
A verified position is the member's own stated view or vote, supported by the listed sources. This page records public statements and conduct only — see methodology.
Immigration verified
Burns has advocated for refugees and asylum seekers, moving a parliamentary motion urging the government to free refugees held in onshore and offshore detention (referenced June 2021). His advocacy is shaped by his family's history as migrants who fled persecution in Europe.
Faith & religion verified
Josh Burns is Jewish. His maternal grandmother came to Australia as a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany, he was educated at Mt Scopus Memorial College (a Jewish day school) and was active in the Jewish Labour Bund youth movement; he has spoken publicly as a Jewish person and is categorised among Jewish members of the Australian parliament.
Foreign policy & aid verified
Burns, a Jewish Labor MP, supports a two-state solution and says he "desperately want[s] to see a peace agreement signed between the Israelis and the Palestinians." Following the 7 October 2023 attack he opposed an immediate ceasefire, arguing it would allow Hamas to regroup, and he opposed the government's vote in favour of UN General Assembly Resolution ES-10/22 on Gaza. In October 2022 he criticised the Albanese government for revoking Australia's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Record last updated 2026-08-13.