Lia Finocchiaro is an Australian politician and the newly elected Chief Minister of the Northern Territory (NT), representing the Country Liberal Party (CLP).
She has been a prominent political figure in the NT, first gaining attention as the youngest person elected to the NT Parliament in 2012.
Highlights
- Lia Finocchiaro’s grandparents migrated from Italy to Australia in the 1950s for a better life.
- Her family, deeply rooted in the Italian community, settled in the Northern Territory, where Lia was born and raised.
- She often speaks about her grandparents’ journey and the legacy they left behind.
Over the years, she advanced within the CLP, ultimately becoming the Opposition Leader and now the first female Chief Minister from the CLP.
Finocchiaro represents the Spillett electorate and is a strong advocate for regional development, public safety, and economic growth.
Moreover, she is known for her commitment to the people of the NT, focusing on issues such as improving opportunities and addressing social challenges in the region.
Lia Finocchiaro’s Grandparents Migrated From Italy To Australia In The 1950s In Pursuit Of A Better Life!
Finocchiaro, 39, was born in the Northern Territory and grew up in Palmerston, a satellite city south of Darwin.
Lia Finocchiaro, of Italian descent, was raised in a family with strong ties to the community.
Her mother, Maria Finocchiaro, and her father, whose name is yet to be disclosed, played pivotal roles in encouraging her appreciation for her heritage.
Lia often speaks about her grandparents, who migrated from Italy to Australia in the 1950s and settled in the Northern Territory, where she grew up and built her political career.
In her election victory speech, delivered at an Italian club in Darwin’s northern suburbs, Lia expressed her gratitude toward her them for their courage in making the journey to Australia.
She proudly stated:
As a born-and-bred second-generation Territory kid — the granddaughter of Italian migrants — I grew up living an iconic Territory childhood, hunting, camping, fishing, and playing outside. I always knew the Territory was a special place, and I was lucky to be a Territorian.
Lia Finocchiaro
Moreover, she shared a heartfelt message on Grandparents Day dedicated to them, reflecting on their influence in shaping her life and values.
She has appreciated her grandpa for giving her amazing love and support, and mentioned that she is blessed to have her Nonna (Grandma) Rita in her life at age 97.
She also mentioned that her dad’s parents settled in Darwin, and she is so thankful they made the Territory home.
Although detailed information about her parents is limited, it is clear that Lia Finocchiaro’s family background is deeply intertwined with the Italian migrant experience.
Additional Information
- Lia Finocchiaro is married to Sam Burke, who is of Australian descent. Together, they have two children: a daughter, Isla, and a son, Isaac.
- Lia’s father-in-law is Denis Burke, a prominent figure in the Northern Territory. He was previously a politician and leader of the Country Liberal Party (CLP).
- She has been dedicatedly involved in community work as CEO of the Italian Festival Association of the Northern Territory.
