Linda Burney, first female Indigenous Member of the House of Representatives.

Today, indigenous politician Linda Burney made history. For the second time.

Burney is the former ALP National President and rose to become a member of the NSW Upper House in 2003 in one of the most momentous political landmarks for Australia’s history.

Today, Burney has been elected to the Federal Parliament in the Sydney seat of Barton.

It’s the first time an indigenous female politician has been elected to the lower house.

Linda Burney beat out sitting Liberal MP, Nick Varvaris who has held the seat for just one term.

In a strong performance over the course of the campaign, Ms Burney won 57 percent of the primary vote by late on Saturday night.

Ms Burney was the first Indigenous person elected to the NSW Parliament as the Member for Canterbury.

She has served as a Minister in the NSW Government, as well as Deputy Leader of the Labor Party in NSW. She is widely regarded as a strong performer.

Indigenous issues, including pushing the referendum for Indigenous constitutional recognition forward, will be important in the next term of Government.

The former teacher has two children.