[1] His family were due to move to Darwin just after Christmas of 1974, but were delayed by the onset of Cyclone Tracy, which virtually obliterated the city.
Burke went to Melbourne to pursue his legal career having been unable to secure a position with a local firm.
[citation needed] He worked as a solicitor for 11 months with Gadens Lawyers then approximately 3½ years with Maurice Blackburn Cashman, before returning to the Territory in August 2004 to take up a position as Industrial Officer with the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU).
[4] On 9 August 2008, a general election for the Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory was held, resulting in Burke losing his seat of Brennan to Peter Chandler of the CLP.
[citation needed] Burke married Sharon McKenzie in August 1999, gaining a step-daughter (Leesa), and having two children (Niamh and Flynn).