There are a ton of South Asian candidates running for office this year, and SAARI is bringing you a guide to figure out who’s who.
Next up are the Liberals. We’ve identified 16 South Asian Liberal candidates across the country.
Pradeep Pathi, Greenway (NSW)
Born in Hyderabad and moved to Australia in 2005
Project manager in the banking and finance industry
Volunteers for local community groups, including the Telugu Christian Fellowship
Binod Paudel, Macarthur (NSW)
Hotelier-turned-coaching entrepreneur
Board member of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Australia Policy Institute
Started the very first rugby team in his birthplace of Chitwan in Nepal
Dave Sharma, Wentworth (NSW)
Current member for Wentworth, running for re-election.
Born in Canada to an Australian mother and an Indian father
Former diplomat in Papua New Guinea and former ambassador to Israel
Vivek Singha, McMahon (NSW)
Migrated from India 19 years ago
Studied mechanical manufacturing engineering in India and completed MBA in finance in Australia
Has worked in manufacturing, consulting, tax and finance roles
Vivian Lobo, Lilley (QLD)
Parachuted into the seat despite living outside the electorate, after the former candidate withdrew last-minute
Currently being investigated by the Australian Electoral Commission and Australian Federal Police over claims he may have fraudulently registered under a false address
Mira D'Silva, Maribyrnong (VIC)
Migrated to Melbourne from India in 2004
Runs a professional services organisation focused on tech, operating across the Asia-Pacific region
Works primarily with large Australian banks and organisations
Ravi Gaddipati, Lalor (VIC)
Multicultural leader and owner of multiple businesses
Migrated with his wife to Australia from India
Has raised funds and organised support for international students throughout the pandemic
Dr Enamul Haque, Hawke (VIC)
Of Bangladeshi heritage
Associate Professor at RMIT University with a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Sydney
Recipient of several prestigious international scientific awards for his research
Manish Patel, Corio (VIC)
Born in India and migrated to Australia in 2007
Financial broker by trade
Has also worked in the Social Welfare sector for about 10 years
Ranj Perera, Holt (VIC)
Born in Colombo, moved to Australia at age 15
Background in business and government
Most recently, Ranj was Chief of Staff to the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, the Hon. Jason Wood MP
Jugandeep Singh, Chifley (NSW)
CEO of a community college specialising in vocational courses
Posted in May 2021 defending Scott Morrison and the government amid the Indian travel bans, referring to the PM as 'our competent Prime Minister'
Sazeda Akter, Watson (NSW)
Local councillor on Canterbury Bankstown Council
Is campaigning on infrastructure and healthcare as key issues
In favour of improving local roads and transport, and ensuring access to high-quality hospitals and healthcare
Savitri Bevinakoppa, Hotham (VIC)
Deputy Head and Professor at the School of IT and Engineering at the Melbourne Institute of Technology
Community volunteer in such organisations as the Basava Samithi of Australasia, the Kannada Sangha, Rotary Australia, the Federation of Indian Associations and others
Virosh Perera, Scullin (VIC)
Multicultural brand ambassador for the AFL, Cricket Australia, Melbourne Stars, and the Commonwealth Games
In favour of lowering costs of living for families and small business and preserving family values
Passionate about education and entrepreneurship
Sahil Tomar, Jagajaga (VIC)
Migrated to Australia from India in 2000
Worked as a banker, eventually managing a variety of corporate clients with a portfolio asset value of over $100 million
Has brought corporate sponsorship to local sports clubs for the purchase of uniforms and equipment
Bill Koul, Fremantle (WA)
Engineer for over 30 years
Started his own engineering consultancy small business
In favour of lowering taxes and creating opportunities for small businesses
Keep an eye out for our upcoming guides to South Asian Labor and Independent candidates!
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.
