John Burnett (colonial secretary)

{{Short description|Australian politician}}

{{Similar names|John Burnett (disambiguation)}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}

John Burnett (September 1781 – 10 July 1860) was the first Colonial Secretary of Van Diemen's Land.{{cite book|title=Australian Dictionary of Biography|year=1966|volume=1}}

Burnett served from March 1826 until 1835. Several scandals and maladministration characterised his tenure. He worked with Lieutenant Governor George Arthur in conducting the Vandemonian wars against the aboriginal population.