Burney declares Labor win in Barton

Former NSW deputy Labor leader Linda Burney has declared a win in the Sydney seat of Barton, making her the first indigenous woman in the lower house.

Leader of the Opposition Bill Shorten and Labor candidate for Barton Linda Burney on a street walk at Rockdale shopping strip as part of the 2016 election campaign in Sydney, Wednesday, June 1, 2016. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING

Bill Shorten and Labor candidate for Barton Linda Burney on a street walk in Rockdale as part of the 2016 election campaign in Sydney, Wednesday, June 1, 2016. Source: AAP

Labor's Linda Burney is packing her bags for Canberra after declaring she's won the south Sydney seat of Barton.

"Barton has created history tonight in Australia by electing the first indigenous woman to the House of Representatives," the former NSW deputy Labor leader told Sky News.

The seat was won by the coalition's Nick Varvaris in the 2013 election but became a notional Labor seat after a redrawing of electoral boundaries.

Counting from 13 booths showed a four per cent swing to Ms Burney.

"Wonderful, wonderful," Ms Burney told Sky News, as projections showed she was in position to take Barton with more than 10 per cent of the vote counted.

"There was some ugliness earlier in the day at the booths and the kitchen sink's been thrown in the last couple of days".

Ms Burton paid tribute to the "astounding" support shown by the community.

"I am grateful that I have been chosen as the member and I am sure Barton will be back in the Labor fold tonight," she said.

Former NSW premier and Sky panellist Kristina Keneally teared up upon hearing of Ms Burney's success, describing her as great friend.

"The flirt with the Liberals is over. Barton is back where it belongs," Ms Burney told the Seven Network.

Ms Burney is thrilled to be creating history with her win but doesn't want to be pigeonholed as an indigenous MP, saying that her great passion alongside Aboriginal affairs was education.

Asked if she had long-term ambitions for a front bench seat, she said: "I am happy to be where I am tonight. That was my goal and we have achieved that.

"What happens in the future is the future."


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Source: AAP



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