This is a moment in South Asian Australian history we should celebrate.

For the first time ever, Australia has 4 South Asian Australian women in the Federal Parliament!

With over 50 South Asian Australian candidates running in this election, and over a million South Asians in the country, we have more representation now than ever before.

These women represent the story of this election - a focus on women’s equality, inclusion, and climate change, with the people choosing politicians who are whip smart and understand the needs of their communities.

Congratulations Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah from Higgins (VIC), Cassandra Fernando from Holt (VIC) and Zaneta Mascarenhas from Swan (WA) for your election wins! You’ll be joining Dr Mehreen Faruqi from New South Wales as she continues in the Senate, where she became first Muslim Senator in Australia when first elected in 2018.

Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah from Higgins (VIC)

A newly elected Sri Lankan-Australian, Dr Ananda-Rajah spent 25 years as a practising doctor, and is an expert in infectious diseases. She is interested in science-based policy making. Her electorate of Higgins has been held by the Liberal Party since its creation in 1949 until this election.

Zaneta Mascarenhas

A newly elected Kenyan-Indian-Australian, Ms Mascarenhas was born in Kalgoorlie and grew up in Kambalda. She spent 15 years as a mining engineer, help mining companies develop policies and practices to address climate change.

Cassandra Fernando from Holt (VIC)

A newly elected Sri-Lankan-Australian, Ms Fernando came to Australia when she was 11. She spent nearly 15 years as a pastry chef, and as an advocate for essential workers and migrants and refugees. She also represents workers in the retail and fast food industries.

Dr Mehreen Faruqi, Greens Senator (NSW)

A Pakistani-Australian civil and environmental engineer, Dr Faruqi is a life-long activist for social and environmental justice. She became Australia’s first Muslim senator in 2018, and was re-elected in 2019 for a 6 year term.

We look forward to everything you’ll all accomplish and celebrate this moment with you as South Asian Australians!

Maya Pilbrow is an Editor at SAARI Collective and the Media Manager for the quarterly literary journal The Suburban Review. You can connect with Maya on LinkedIn.