Australian Election 2025: Voices of Diversity

By Dr Majid Khan (Melbourne):

Australia’s political landscape has become increasingly diverse, reflecting the country’s multicultural society. Among the many communities contributing to this diversity, South Asians have emerged as active participants in politics, with several individuals contesting national elections and holding significant political roles.

​The 2025 Australian federal election, scheduled for May 3, marks a significant milestone in the political engagement of South Asian Australians. With approximately 60 candidates of South Asian heritage contesting seats across the country, this election reflects the community’s growing influence and commitment to shaping Australia’s future.​

Notable South Asian Political Contestants in Australia

1. Mehreen Faruqi (Greens) – Senator for New South Wales

• Background: Born in Pakistan, Dr. Mehreen Faruqi migrated to Australia in 1992 and became the first Muslim woman to serve in an Australian parliament.
• Political Role: A prominent Greens senator, she advocates for climate action, immigration rights, and social justice. She has also been vocal against racism and Islamophobia.
• Elections Contested: Re-elected as a Senator in multiple elections, including the 2022 federal election.

2. Zaneta Mascarenhas (Labor) – Member for Swan, Western Australia

• Background: Of Indian-Mauritian heritage, Mascarenhas is an engineer and union advocate before entering politics.
• Political Role: Elected in 2022, she focuses on renewable energy, workers’ rights, and multicultural representation. Focuses on infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
• Constituency: Swan is a key marginal seat in WA, and her victory was significant for Labor.

3. Cassandra Fernando (Labor) – Member for Holt, Victoria

• Background: Born to Sri Lankan Tamil parents, Fernando worked in retail before entering politics.
• Political Role: Advocates for cost-of-living relief, small businesses, and multicultural communities.
• Constituency: Holt, a diverse electorate in Melbourne’s southeast.

4. Dave Sharma (Liberal) – Former Member for Wentworth, NSW

• Background: Of Indian and Jewish heritage, Sharma served as Australia’s ambassador to Israel before entering politics.
• Political Role: A moderate Liberal, he supported climate action and LGBTQ+ rights. Lost his seat in 2022 to independent Allegra Spender.
• Constituency: Wentworth, a wealthy Sydney electorate.

5. Sabine Alam (Greens) – Candidate for Bruce, Victoria (2022 Election)

• Background: A Bangladeshi-Australian lawyer and human rights advocate.
• Political Role: Ran on platforms of climate justice, refugee rights, and anti-corruption.
• Constituency: Bruce, a Labor-held seat in Melbourne’s southeast.

6. Niraj Jain (United Australia Party) – Candidate for Fowler, NSW (2022 Election)

• Background: An Indian-Australian businessman affiliated with Clive Palmer’s party.
• Political Role: Advocated for small government and economic freedom.
• Constituency: Fowler, a diverse Western Sydney seat.

7. Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Labor) – Senate Candidate, Victoria

• Background: A medical doctor and researcher, previously served as the Member for Higgins.
• Political Role: Advocates for public health, with a focus on indoor air quality and healthcare accessibility.​

8. Varun Ghosh (Labor) – Senate Candidate, Western Australia

• Background: Legal professional with experience in policy development.
• Political Role: Appointed as a Senator in 2024, contributing to legislative processes and representing Western Australia’s interests.​

9. Ashvini Ambihaipahar (Labor) – Barton, New South Wales

• Background: Community advocate with experience in social services.
• Political Role: Aims to address local issues such as housing affordability and public transportation.

10. Rohan Laxmanalal (Animal Justice Party) – Chifley, New South Wales

• Background: Advocate for animal rights and environmental sustainability.
• Political Role: Campaigns for policies centered on compassion, environmental protection, and mental health awareness.​

11. Nildhara Gadani (Labor) – Goldstein, Victoria

• Background: Community organizer with a focus on social justice.
• Political Role: Advocates for strong public services, affordable healthcare, and quality education.​

12. Ponraj K Pandi (Greens) – Gellibrand, Victoria

• Background: Environmental activist with a commitment to social equity.
• Political Role: Focuses on addressing inequality in housing, healthcare, education, and environmental policy.​

13. Mira D’Silva (Liberal) – Lalor, Victoria

• Background: Community leader concerned with public safety and economic stability.
• Political Role: Aims to create safer communities, address housing affordability, and support small businesses.​

14. Lokesh Sangarya (Greens) – Scullin, Victoria

• Background: Climate activist with a focus on environmental policy.
• Political Role: Advocates for urgent climate action and sustainable development.​

15. Kuljeet Kaur Robinson (One Nation) – Monash, Victoria

• Background: Small business owner with a focus on regional development.
• Political Role: Supports policies aimed at empowering small businesses, farmers, and retirees.​

16. Ashok Tewatia (Independent) – Burt, Western Australia

• Background: Community advocate with a focus on inclusive policies.
• Political Role: Campaigns for policies that prioritize public interest over political agendas.​

17. Samantha Ratnam (Greens) – Wills, Victoria

• Background: Social worker and community organizer.
• Political Role: Focuses on housing reform, corporate accountability, and climate justice.

18. Monique Ryan (Independent) – Member for Kooyong, VIC

• Background: Indian-Australian (via paternal lineage)
• Political Role: Former Liberal stronghold challenger; focuses on integrity in politics and climate action.
• Constituency: Kooyong, Victoria

19. Kishor Kumar Rai (Labor) – Candidate for Parramatta, NSW

• Background: Nepali-Australian
• Political Role: Community leader advocating for migrant rights and affordable housing.
• Constituency: Parramatta, NSW

20. Rekha Bhatt (Liberal) – Candidate for Wills, VIC

• Background: Indian-Australian
• Political Role: Small business advocate promoting entrepreneurship in multicultural communities.
• Constituency: Wills, Victoria

21. Ashan Wijeweera (Labor) – Candidate for Deakin, VIC

• Background: Sri Lankan-Australian
• Political Role: Former unionist focusing on workers’ rights and healthcare reform.
• Constituency: Deakin, Victoria

The increasing participation of South Asian Australians in federal politics signifies a transformative shift towards a more inclusive and representative democracy. These candidates bring diverse perspectives and experiences, enriching the political discourse and ensuring that the interests of multicultural communities are adequately represented. Their involvement underscores the importance of diversity in policymaking and the value of inclusive governance.​

The 2025 federal election highlights the dynamic role of South Asian Australians in shaping the nation’s political landscape. As these candidates campaign across various electorates, they embody the values of civic engagement, diversity, and community representation, contributing to a more inclusive and responsive Australian democracy.