Meredith Burgmann interviewed by Ann Turner [sound recording]

Burgmann speaks of her family background, the influence of religion and politics on her upbringing, significant experiences in the 12 months spent in England at age 13, her education including Abbotsleigh Secondary School and her extra-curricular activities, then the intellectual, political and social influences experienced while at University of Sydney, her anti-Apartheid activities leading to arrest and jail, anti-Vietnam war rallies and and other political activities in England, Italy and the United States in 1973, teaching and researching in industrial relations at Macquarie University, became the first woman President of the National Tertiary Education Union, her doctorate on NSW Builders Labourers Federation (BLF) and her subsequent book on the BLF, her interest in Aboriginal issues such as the Gurindji people, Frank Hardie and Wattie Creek, her political activities on behalf of women, the NSW Trades and Labour Council, the Peace Movement and the environment, the Labor Party and its left factions.

Burgmann speaks of her election to N.S.W. Parliament, her role on the Privileges and Ethics Committee, feminism and the Ernie and Elaine Awards, the ever-present problem of juggling jobs and family, her present position as President of the N.S.W. Legislative Council.