The new Australian Parliament is going to be the most diverse. With several independent female, Asian and ingenious lawmakers getting ready to hold office.
Australian election results point towards a better change
The 47th Australian parliament is going to reflect the nation’s diverse population. About 30 percent of Australian citizens were born elsewhere. The top 10 nations of birth include India, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. The results come amid the increasing rage over the previous coalition government’s years of inaction on climate change, gender equality, and sexual violence allegations.
As per the current data by the Australian Broadcasting Corp., women will likely be filling up 57 percent of the upper house senate compared to 42 percent previously. In the house of representatives, about 38 percent will be women, an increase from the previous 26 percent. Additionally, the number of non-indigenous and non-European members is expected to jump from 9 to 13. Additionally, several independent female candidates running with a pro-climate action platform dismounted male incumbents from the formerly safe seats. Anthony Albanese’s government is owing to boost wages, close the gender pay gap, improve childcare subsidies, increase women’s labor force, and much more.
New additions to the Australian Parliament
Among other new additions is the Labor party’s Sally Sitou. Sitou’s family fled the Vietnam war and came to the island continent for refuge. “I am the daughter of migrants who came to this country for a better life. They left their homeland of Laos because of the Vietnam War and we are lucky Australia gave us refuge,” tweeted Sitou, telling her story. “That’s my story, a story I’m proud of – it’s one shared by so many Australians. I’ve put my hand to run for the seat of Reid because I love this country. I want to ensure we finally address climate change, strengthen Medicare, and reform our aged care sector,” she added.
Additionally, Dai Le, an independent lawmaker is also taking office. Le was also a former refugee who came to Australia on a ‘rickety boat. The Labour’s one-time police officer and a dolphin trainer, Sam Lim is also joining the Parliament. Lim moved to Australia from Malaysia in 2002. “It is transformative and a big change from the last parliament. It will provide greater legitimacy to our political institutions. This is even more important in the wake of Covid when many disadvantaged communities have lost trust in politics and other public institutions,” stated Sukhmani Khorana. Khorana is a research fellow and the co-convenor of Western Sydney University’s borders and diversity research program. “In these nations, the major parties have made concerted efforts to attract diverse candidates. Whereas pre-selection and other internal party processes in Australia still need reform to represent local diversity,” she added.