Former Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney has received an honorary doctorate from the University of Sydney in recognition of her leadership in education, public service, reconciliation and advocacy for First Nations rights.
The first Aboriginal person elected to the state Parliament of New South Wales in 2003, and later first Aboriginal woman elected to Federal Parliament in 2016, Dr Burney was admitted to the degree of Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) at a graduation ceremony on Monday.
Speaking to students graduating the University's Business School, she said "learning is a lifelong experience".
"The bedrock of social justice is exposing the truth," Dr Burney told the graduating students, and encouraged them to "let truth be your guiding star".
"I believe passionately in truth telling. It challenges you, and you will move through life not under the dark shadow of history if truth is told. Understanding the real story of a nation is important for you as future leaders, no matter where in the world you are," she said.
In her address, Dr Burney spoke of being the first person in her family to graduate from university, her early years school experience and education regarding First Nations Australians which "doesn't happen anymore", but "was one of shame and one that made me feel worthless".
She also spoke of the 1965 Freedom Rides, where 29 students from the University of Sydney, led by Charles Perkins, took part in a 15-day journey of activism on a bus through regional NSW to protest and bring attention to marginalisation and racism against Aboriginal people in regional towns and areas.
The group included both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students part of the Student Action For Aborigines (SAFA) group.
Dr Burney told the graduating students on Monday institutional racism all across the world is the cause of much hurt.
"If you're part of that you're part of the problem. But if you believe in yourself and you believe in truth, you're part of the liberation," she said.
"Aboriginal people in this country have been hurt in many, many ways. And yet we have been here since the first sunrise. Now that is part of your story as well.
"It is a remarkable story to be proud of, to understand that 60,000 years of First Peoples in this country is now part of your story.
"You are part of chartering the future, as a huge responsibility...Llet truth be your guiding star. I have every faith that you will."
Dr Burney retired from federal politics at the 2025 election.
In closing her valedictory in 2024, Ms Burney said "we will make progress when we all work together. We have a strong and bright future".
She was appointed to the University of Technology Sydney's (UTS) Council in February.
Before entering politics, Dr Burney worked as a teacher in western Sydney, later working in Aboriginal education policy with the NSW Department of Education and Aboriginal Affairs roles.
"The work that Linda has done for this country has been nothing short of monumental," University Senate fellow and Pro-Chancellor Shirley Chowdhary said.
"And her work has not only been for First Nations people, it has been for all of us to teach all of us that we share in the culture of the oldest living surviving culture in the world, and what a privilege that is."
Pro-Chancellor Chowdhary previously worked alongside Dr Burney at the GO Foundation, as chief executive and Parton, respectively.
"Her leadership has consistently elevated Indigenous perspectives in national policy and public dialogue, and she has created pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, especially women, to lead and thrive," Ms Chowdary said of the former minister.
"Her impact continues to guide Australia toward a more just, respectful, and inclusive future."
The University's Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Mark Scott, described Dr Burney as "a visionary leader whose legacy is one of courage, unwavering advocacy and profound service".
"From her early work shaping Aboriginal education policy in New South Wales to her leadership on the national stage, she has contributed to lasting change in how institutions engage with and support Indigenous communities," he said.
The Acknowledgement of Country at Monday's ceremony was delivered by Aunty Lynette Riley, the university's Chair of Aboriginal Education and Indigenous Studies and a friend of Dr Burney.
