having engaged in mercantile pursuits in the hunter river district, burns was returned to the assembly for the hunter in 1862, and represented the constituency for many years. he was one of the members for st. leonard's 1889 to 1891. he was postmaster-general in the john robertson ministry from february 1875 to march 1877, and in that of james farnell from december 1877 to december 1878. he introduced postal cards into australia in 1875, and was the first to give employment to women in the telegraph department. in 1878 he arranged with the governments of the other australian colonies and new zealand for the duplication of the submarine cable to australia. burns was treasurer in the last robertson ministry from december 1885 to february 1886, and in that of sir henry parkes from january 1887 to january 1889. he was gazetted a c.m.g. in 1887, but declined the honour, and the appointment was cancelled.