Rishi Sunak in the UK, Kamala Harris in the US; who’s next in Australia? It's truly exciting to see the people we call our own taking the lead on a global scale. According to the 2021 Census, over 780,000 Australians now claim Indian ancestry, and they are not just voting anymore; they are running for office, and India couldn’t be prouder!
In the 2025 Federal Election, around 50 Indian-origin candidates nationwide have stepped into the political arena. Twelve are vying for a spot in the Senate, where 40 seats are up for grabs this year.
While many run with major parties like Labor, Liberal, and the Greens, a growing number represent smaller or less traditional parties–think Animal Justice, Family First, One Nation, the Libertarian Party, the Australian Christian Party, Trumpet of Patriots, Australia’s Voice, and the Jacqui Lambie Network.
With all that being said, where are we heading?
A Growing Political Voice: Indian-Origin Australians Step Up in 2025
The elevation of Indian-origin candidates in the 2025 Federal Election isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a clear sign of a community coming into its own, politically. This political emergence is evident across all types of electorates, including Inner and Outer Metropolitan, Provincial, and even Rural areas. While many of these seats have growing multicultural populations, the trend isn’t confined to them. Indian-Australians are making their presence felt across the board.
Politics is not just a tea-time conversation for Indians; it represents values, economic drive, social cohesion, and a desire for change for the better, among many other things, more than just talk. We now see them reflected in Australia.
These Indian-origin candidates are a diverse group, including first-timers, seasoned campaigners, and even a few returning representatives. They all span from a wide range of ages, faiths, professions, and migration stories. Some of them came to the country as students, others through skilled migration pathways, and many are now deeply rooted in their local communities.
Their stories reflect everyday Australia, featuring small business owners, lawyers, doctors, community workers, and grassroots activists. This perhaps gives them a unique ability to bridge the gap between mainstream Australia and its increasingly multicultural makeup in the new world.
Closer to home, names like Dave Sharma, Daniel Mookhey, Charishma Kaliyanda, and Gurmesh Singh in NSW; Michelle Ananda-Rajah, Roshena Campbell, and Alex Bhathal in Victoria; and Varun Ghosh and Zaneta Mascarenhas in WA have already blazed a trail in Australian politics.
These figures send a powerful message to the next generation: not only is political representation possible, it’s needed. They’ve broken through barriers, challenged the status quo, and shown that diverse voices belong not just in the crowd but at the podium. Here's what the candidates have to say.
Nildhara Gadani, ALP (Goldstein VIC)
“I’ve seen firsthand how important strong public services, affordable healthcare, quality education, and good jobs are to our community. The ALP stands for these values. [I want to help] strengthen Medicare, tackle housing affordability, and build a clean energy future.”
Ponraj K Pandi, GRN (Gellibrand VIC)
“I see the impact of inequality every day – in housing, healthcare, education, and the environment. It’s time we had representatives who live our values – integrity, fairness, and a commitment to climate and social justice.”
Mira D’Silva, LIB (Lalor VIC)
“It wasn’t politics that pushed me to run – it was purpose. When crime starts affecting your street, families can’t keep up with rising bills, and when hope feels distant, something needs to change. [I want a society] where communities are safe, housing is within reach, and hard work is genuinely rewarded.”
Loki Sangarya, GRN (Scullin VIC)
“I’m disillusioned by the Liberals’ climate denial and Labor’s support for new fossil fuel projects despite scientific warnings.”
Kuljeet Kaur Robinson, ONP (Monash VIC)
“I stand for small business owners, farmers, retirees, and hardworking families who increasingly feel their voices are not being heard. One Nation supports practical, common-sense policies, secure borders, the preservation of our national identity, and the restoration of integrity within government.”
Ashok Tewatia, IND (Burt WA)
“I didn’t come into this as a career move. I’ve felt what it’s like to be overlooked by policies that seem to serve political interests more than the public good.”
Samantha Ratnam, GRN (Wills VIC)
“Politics is about choices. We can choose to reform the housing market, make big corporations pay their fair share of tax, and use it to fund world-class health, education, and public services. We can choose to take on the supermarkets and end their price gouging. We can do so much more to end the invasion and occupation of Gaza and end military exports to Israel. We can stop more coal and gas and tackle the climate crisis.”
Party promises
The Labor Party has promised to strengthen “Little India” precincts and improve Indian community spaces. The Liberal Party, on the other hand, has spoken about creating an “India House” and has brought up building more Hindu temples.
Both parties are vying to appeal to the Indian community by speaking on issues such as skilled migration, student visas, religious spaces, and community welfare.
Influence of Indian-origin voters in key seats
- Wills – 17.2% Indian-origin voters
- Chifley – 16.1%
- Greenway – 12.2%
- Swan – 11.6%
- Barton – 9.4%
- Fraser – 9.4%