[2] He began his career as a grocer but believing the administration needed improvement he stood as a City of Hobart alderman in 1876, winning the election.
[2] Burgess, who was the recognised Leader of the Opposition to the Philip Fysh Ministry, was a captain unattached in the Tasmanian Defence Force.
In August 1891, owing to the stoppage of the Bank of Van Diemen's Land, with the management of which he was identified, Burgess resigned his seat in the Executive Council and in Parliament and his position as Leader of the Opposition.
In July 1909, Burgess chaired the meeting in Launceston that created the Tasmanian Liberal League, the state's first enduring anti-socialist organisation.
[4] In 1916 Burgess made a return to Tasmanian politics, winning election to the multi-member seat of Denison as a Liberal; however, he died the following year in Hobart.