Australia is keenly watching the 2016 Federal elections.
In the House of Representatives all 150 seats will be contested, as well as the 76 Senate seats — the first time this has happened in an early election since 1987.
Alex Kaur Bhathal is a Green’s candidate from the currently safe Labor seat of Batman in Victoria. Alex feels there is a strong chance of winning this year. Batman’s progressive electorate has long voted Labour but that is about to change if Bhathal gets her swing of less than 8 per cent.
Her ask for Batman, should she be in a position to do so, is a 24-hour bulk billing medical centre and universal dental care for all Australians. “I would also be trying to deliver on our commitment to boosting the funding through the Clean Energy Finance Corporation,” she says.
Seat of Batman – 21st Century Australia Candidate: Bill Gupta
Bill Gupta is also contesting the Batman seat as a 21st Century Australia nominee.
Seat of Gippsland – Labor Candidate: Shashi Bhatti
Shashi Bhatti, who migrated from India in 1989 and Chris Gambian, an Australian born to Indian parents from Bangalore, are also contesting the elections from Labor Party.
Having experienced periods of unemployment, Shashi knows first-hand how difficult it can be for families to make ends meet.
Yerrabi – Liberal Candidate: Jacob Vadakkedathu
Jacob Vadakkedathu is an Assistant Director at the Department of Finance. He has lived in Canberra for 18 years and is heavily involved in multicultural communities in the ACT.
Chiefly – Independent Candidate: Ammar Khan
The successful Indian subcontinent businessman Ammar Khan and a self-made millionaire has been a Mt Druitt resident for the past 28-years. He’s passionate about becoming a politician that will make a big difference to people’s lives, and the public office.
Mr. Khan said, “I plan to work tirelessly for my constituents to make a positive difference to their lives, make a positive difference to our region, and work in perfect harmony with NSW Government, local councils and other political parties.”
Chiefly – Liberal Candidate: Mohit Kumar
Mohit Kumar is excited, humbled and privileged to become the Liberal Candidate and to be part of PM Malcolm Turnbull’s team for this important election. Although proud of his Indian origin, Mohit Kumar does not feel any different to any other candidate.
If elected Mohit Kumar, will serve all the constituents equally. He believes he would be actually benefitting from his Indian heritage to understand and serve subcontinent community more effectively. If elected his priority will be “jobs, jobs and jobs” considering the high unemployment rate in Chiefly. He would “empower them with right tools and skills through Liberal Jobs (PATH) program to improve the rate of employment and hence the quality of life for the people.
Greenway – Independent Candidate: Avtar Singh Billu
In a surprise blow to the big parties, Avtar Singh Billu announced his candidacy as an Independent for Greenway about 3 weeks ago to take on that very challenge. It wasn’t just a surprise to the parties, it came as a surprise in the community too as no-one held much idea that Billu had any interests in running for politics. There were the obvious reactions of why is he standing, why as an independent and what can be achieved.
The election issues Billu is focusing on are CALD Representation, Bringing & Keeping Families Together, Employment, Environment and Tax Fairness in Business
Seat of Parramatta – Independent Candidate: Mahesh Raj
Indian origin Independent candidate Mahesh Raj says that as a local he will represent “YOU” the common man and not a political party. If elected following are some of his goals.
- Bring “innovative technology” to make Parramatta a smart city
- Secure more funding for increased sports and recreational activities around Parra.
- Make Parramatta “all time safe”
- To support small businesses
- To make Parramatta as a culturally diverse hub
- To support adequate funding for education, health and aged care
Soares migrated to Australia from India in 1978 as a 15-year-old. He studied medicine at the University of Sydney, including an elective placement with Mother Teresas nuns in Mumbai and Kolkata. After working in NSW for a number of years, he relocated to Nepal to work with an international charity that provides rehabilitation to people affected by leprosy. Returning to Australia, Soares moved to Brisbane where he works orthopaedic surgery.