Brian Burke facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brian Burke
23rd Premier of Western Australia
In office 25 February 1983 – 25 February 1988
Monarch	Elizabeth II
Governor	Richard Trowbridge Gordon Reid
Deputy	Mal Bryce
Preceded by	Ray O'Connor
Succeeded by	Peter Dowding
Leader of the Labor Party in Western Australia
In office 18 September 1981 – 25 February 1988
Deputy	Mal Bryce
Preceded by	Ron Davies
Succeeded by	Peter Dowding
Treasurer of Western Australia
In office 25 February 1983 – 25 February 1988
Premier	Himself
Preceded by	Ray O'Connor
Succeeded by	Peter Dowding
Minister Co-ordinating Economic and Social Development
In office 25 February 1983 – 16 March 1987
Premier	Himself
Preceded by	Ray O'Connor
Succeeded by	Peter Dowding
Minister for Forestry
In office 25 February 1983 – 22 March 1985
Premier	Himself
Preceded by	Ian Laurance
Succeeded by	Monty House
Member of the Western Australian Parliament for Balga
In office 19 February 1983 – 25 February 1988
Preceded by	Constituency re-established
Succeeded by	Ted Cunningham
In office 30 March 1974 – 19 February 1977
Preceded by	Constituency established
Succeeded by	Constituency abolished
Member of the Western Australian Parliament for Balcatta
In office 19 February 1977 – 25 February 1983
Preceded by	Constituency re-established
Succeeded by	Ron Bertram
In office 30 March 1973 – 30 March 1974
Preceded by	Herb Graham
Succeeded by	Constituency abolished
Personal details
Born	Brian Thomas Burke (1947-02-25) 25 February 1947 (age 78) Subiaco, Western Australia
Political party	Labor Party
Relations	Terry Burke (brother)
Parents	Tom Burke Madeline Orr
Profession	Journalist politician

Brian Thomas Burke (born 25 February 1947) was an important political leader in Western Australia. He served as the 23rd Premier of Western Australia from 1983 to 1988. He was a member of the Labor Party. Before becoming a politician, he worked as a journalist. As Premier, he was very popular at first. He later resigned from his role to become an ambassador for Australia.

Who Was Brian Burke?

Brian Thomas Burke was born on 25 February 1947 in Subiaco, Western Australia. His father, Tom Burke, was also involved in politics. Brian Burke started his career as a journalist, which means he reported news for newspapers or television.

Starting in Politics

Brian Burke became interested in politics and decided to become a politician. He was elected to represent different areas in Western Australia. These areas included Balcatta and Balga. He worked hard to represent the people in his community.

Becoming Premier of Western Australia

On 25 February 1983, Brian Burke became the Premier of Western Australia. This is a very important job, similar to being the leader of a state or province. As Premier, he was in charge of the state government. He led the Labor Party in Western Australia.

What Does a Premier Do?

The Premier is the head of the government in a state. They lead the team of ministers who manage different areas like education, health, and the economy. The Premier makes big decisions that affect everyone living in the state. They also represent the state on important occasions.

Key Decisions as Premier

During his time as Premier, Brian Burke focused on several important areas. He also served as the Treasurer of Western Australia, which means he was in charge of the state's money and finances. He also held the role of Minister for Forestry for a period.

• Economic Development: He worked to improve the economy of Western Australia. This included encouraging new businesses and projects.
• Social Development: He also focused on social programs to help people in the state.
• Forestry: As Minister for Forestry, he was involved in managing the state's forests and timber industry.

After Being Premier

Brian Burke served as Premier for exactly five years, from 1983 to 1988. After leaving the role of Premier, he took on a new job. He became an ambassador for Australia. An ambassador represents their country in another country. This means he worked to build good relationships between Australia and other nations.