The Division of Barton sits on the lands of the Bidjigal peoples of the Eora Nation, who have cared for this Country for countless generations. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.
Barton was established as an electorate in 1922, named after Australia’s first Prime Minister, Edmund Barton. While he played a role in Federation, he also championed the White Australia Policy. A century later, the community that bears his name reflects something entirely different - a place defined by openness, diversity, and belonging.
Spread across 17 suburbs in Sydney’s inner south, Barton covers around 42 square kilometres and is home to almost 200,000 people. From the busy hubs of Rockdale and Kogarah to the leafy streets of Earlwood and Bexley, Barton brings together many neighbourhoods, each with its own character and story.
What makes Barton remarkable is the richness of its communities. Nearly six in ten residents speak a language other than English at home, with Mandarin, Greek, Arabic, Nepali, and Cantonese among the most common.
Our electorate is also home to more than 1,200 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, whose culture and connection to Country continue to shape Barton today. Barton is a true reflection of modern Australia: multicultural, proud, and deeply connected to community.
