Warren Mundine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Warren Mundine
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Mundine on The Long Walk in 2014
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| National President of the Labor Party | |
| In office 26 January 2006 – 10 January 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Barry Jones |
| Succeeded by | John Faulkner |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Nyunggai Warren Stephen Mundine
11 August 1956 Grafton, New South Wales, Australia |
| Political party | Liberal (since 2019) |
| Other political affiliations |
Labor (1995–2012) |
| Spouses |
Jenny Ross
(m. 1975; div. 1983)Elizabeth Henderson
(m. 2013) |
| Children | 10 |
Warren Mundine, born on August 11, 1956, is an Australian businessman and political expert. He is well-known for his work helping Indigenous people.
He started in politics in 1995. He was the first Indigenous person to be on the City Council in Dubbo, New South Wales. He was the national leader of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) from 2006 to 2007. He left the Labor Party in 2012.
In 2013, he became the chairman of the Coalition government's Indigenous Advisory Council. This was under Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Mundine was a candidate for the Liberal Party in the 2019 federal election.
As of 2023, Mundine was a main campaigner for the "No" vote. This was for the 2023 Australian referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. He has also held other important roles. In 2016, he received the Officer of the Order of Australia award.
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Early Life and Learning
Warren Mundine was born in Grafton, New South Wales, on August 11, 1956.
He is a member of the Bundjalung people. They are the traditional owners of much of northern New South Wales. He was the ninth of eleven children in his family. His mother's family also includes Yuin and Irish heritage.
In 1963, his family moved to Auburn in western Sydney. Mundine went to a Catholic school. After school, he worked as a fitter and turner. He also worked as a barman and office trolley boy. He later went to night college to get his Higher School Certificate.
After working at the Australian Taxation Office, Mundine moved to Adelaide. There, he earned a diploma in community development. He also started studying law but did not finish.
Political Career
In 1995, Warren Mundine started his political journey. He ran as an independent candidate for the City of Dubbo council. He was the first Aboriginal person to serve on this council. Later, he became the deputy mayor of Dubbo.
With the Australian Labor Party
In 1999, Mundine ran for the NSW Labor in the state election. In the 2001 federal election, he was third on the Labor list for the Senate in NSW.
Mundine became the President of the ALP on January 28, 2006. He was the first Indigenous Australian to lead an Australian political party. During his time as president, he encouraged more Aboriginal people to become political candidates. He served one term and stepped down in 2007.
In 2012, Mundine left the Labor Party. He said the party had changed and was no longer the same as when he joined.
With the Liberal Party
After the Liberal-National coalition won the election in 2013, Prime Minister Tony Abbott chose Mundine to lead the government's Indigenous Advisory Council. In January 2017, this council was closed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
On January 22, 2019, Prime Minister Scott Morrison asked the Liberal Party to make Mundine their candidate. He ran for the seat of Gilmore in the 2019 Australian federal election. Mundine had only joined the party that week. He did not win the election.
Mundine also tried to run for the seat of Bradfield in the 2025 federal election. However, he was not chosen as the candidate.
Political Views
Australia Day and Treaties
Warren Mundine believes that the date of Australia Day should be changed. He also supports the idea of treaties with Indigenous Australians.
Nuclear Power
In the late 2000s, Mundine supported using nuclear power in Australia. He argued that it could help with climate change. He believed nuclear power should be part of Australia's future energy plans.
2023 Indigenous Voice Referendum
Mundine was a key leader for the "No" campaign in the 2023 Australian referendum. This referendum was about creating an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
He led a group called "Recognise a Better Way." This group later joined with "Australians for Unity." Mundine co-founded "Australians for Unity" with Jacinta Nampijinpa Price on May 11, 2023.
Other Important Roles
Mundine has continued his work helping Indigenous people. He has a role with Andrew Forrest's charity, Generation One.
From December 12, 2017, Mundine co-hosted a TV show called Mundine Means Business. This show focused on successful Indigenous Australians in business.
Other roles he has held include:
- Chair of the Australian Indigenous Education Foundation (as of June 2022).
- Co-founder and chair of the Australian Indigenous Chamber of Commerce.
- Chairman of the board for CPAC Australia, a conservative political group.
Awards and Recognition
- 2005: Received the Bennelong Medal for his service to the Aboriginal community.
- 2009: Given an honorary doctorate from Southern Cross University.
- 2016: Appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia.
Personal Life
In 1975, Warren Mundine married Jenny Rose. They had two children together. After they separated, Mundine took care of their children.
In 1984, he married his second wife, Lynette Riley. They raised seven children together. This included his two children from his first marriage, four of their own, and a foster child. Mundine is a devoted Catholic.
In October 2013, Mundine married for a third time. He married Elizabeth Henderson, who is a corporate lawyer.
