Indian links in the 2019 Federal Elections Getting to know some

WHAT CONVINCED YOU TO JOIN THE PARTY OF YOUR CHOICE?

Chris Gambian: My parents grew up in India, where it is so easy to see the effects of inequality and injustice every day. Their deep sense of right and wrong rubbed off on me and led me to an awareness of the world around me. It was a very short step to Labor, which places fairness and equality at the heart its agenda.

Vivek Singha: I am passionate about science and technology and the ways it can transform human lives, particularly through medical advancements. The Morrison Liberal Government’s record investment being made in health with 2,000 additional medicines added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the nation’s first sports plan, Sport 2030, encourage active and healthy lifestyles. Record levels of health funding specifically and the many other great Liberal initiatives along with a great leader in Scott Morrison convinced me to join the Liberal Party.

Nikhil Aai Reddy: For far too long, the major political parties have put forward their party agenda rather than putting Australians first. Vital infrastructure is not going ahead because the Federal Government does not work with the State and the State refuses to work with Local Government. And it is everyday Australian families that suffer from politicians playing the blame game. Pauline Hanson and One Nation have been raising the issues that really matter for people of Australia. One Nation started the debate over issues the major parties refuse to speak about - Immigration, Foreign Ownership, Water Security, Energy Prices, Fuel Prices, Safe Schools, and Political Correctness. One Nation is the only party promising to hold major parties into account.

Vinita Costantino: I joined the Animal Justice Party (AJP) as a way of reducing my despondency and immense distress when learning about the abhorrent cruelty animals are subjected to in too many "normalised" contexts. As a psychologist, I promote individual empowerment for good mental health, and given that our laws supported such abhorrent cruelty, I knew the most powerful way to effect change would be through the parliamentary system. Consequently, I joined the AJP and ran as their candidate for Croydon in the 2018 Victorian State Election.

Rajan Vaid: I have joined Fraser Anning’s Conservative National Party as their policies support Australians first: universal home ownership as a national objective, Australian ownership of our infrastructure, manufacturing and agriculture, establishment of a not-for-profit government bank, stop supporting UN, end means of testing for the aged pensioners,etc which are beneficial for the growth of Australians.

Ganesh Loke: I was disappointed with both Labor and Liberal Party, as both have failed Australians and are fighting with e ach

of the Indian-origin candidates in the fray

other. Involved in social work in Parramatta, I realised thatmany other people are also similarly disappointed.

In 2013, when the Palmer United Party was formed, I realised that their policies are migrantfriendly and supportive of all Australians. I decided to join and represent them at the Federal election from Parramatta, so that we can raise people’s issues at the highest platform in Australia and help them effectively.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MAIN CHANGES YOU WISH TO MAKE IF YOU ARE TO BE ELECTED?

Chris Gambian: I’d like to see a greater focus on education and health, a living wage for people who work hard, and better support for older people. But most of all I’d like to see a greater focus on people. Canberra has become too much of a circus focused on itself: I’d like to be a local MP that puts people first.

Vivek Singha: As your Liberal candidate, I will stand up for people who work hard to get ahead and fight to help local families and small businesses get a fair go. As part of the Morrison Liberal team, I will protect our local quality of life and support local families reduce their cost of living pressures by supporting tax relief; improving access to childcare, and lowering power bills.

Nikhil Aai Reddy: I acknowledge that the community of Petrie are tired of the two major parties that are not listening to their needs and are only playing party politics. I am standing for the community of Petrie and I’m up against cashed-up opponents. I have resigned my QLD Government Public Service role to run for the people of Petrie. I urge the electors of Petrie to take out insurance by voting for One Nation. If I get elected, I will ensure the government of the day keeps its promises and acts in the best interests of the people. Congestion, energy prices and crime are the biggest issues that people have raised in the electorate.

Vinita Costantino: One, ban live exports. Two, end factory farming. Three, tackle all the causes of climate change.

Rajan Vaid: Australia needs numerous changes in almost every sector but the three main changes that I would want to make are:

1. Australian system working for the people of Australia

2. Interest free government banking system

3. Fair taxation system that encourages productivity, savings and rewards the hard working tax payer.

Ganesh Loke: UAP is proposing 'reduced tax rates' and ‘tax-deductible home loans’ which will ultimately help the Australian families to buy their home or invest in properties.

We are proposing that all Australian minerals should be processed in Australia, thus creating huge job growth in Australia. Also, we want the trillions of dollars holed up in super funds to be used to benefit all Australian people.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?

Chris Gambian: I have spent my whole working life speaking up for other people. As a union official I used to go into bat for workers. I have also been involved in a number of community organisations dedicated to speaking up for others.

Vivek Singha: I am a first generation Australian, migrating from India 16 years ago as an overseas student, I live in Western Sydney with my wife and four children. I have undertaken studies in mechanical manufacturing engineering in India. Professionally, I have worked in manufacturing, consulting, tax and finance roles. My other passion is motorcycle riding and through this I have become involved in a variety of community and charity rides including Black Dog ride raising awareness of mental health,

Pink Ribbon ride for breast cancer awareness and the MS Gong ride raising awareness for Multiple Sclerosis.

Nikhil Aai Reddy: I am a family man with government experience and I am passionate about community service, being heard and making a difference to everyday people. I was an international student, a skilled migrant and am now a proud Australian. I have worked in the education and energy sectors, industry, State and Federal Governments and I have seen so many places where we can improve.

Vinita Costantino: Born in Lucknow (India), I migrated to Melbourne when I was five. I’ve lived in Croydon for approximately 20 years, and have operated a private psychology practice in Mooroolbark for 9 years. I’ve always felt a strong affinity with animals and inherently known their sentience makes them significantly like humans. Whilst I grew up consuming meat, I always experienced a dissonance about it, despite preferring vegetarian meals anyway (especially dhal and rice). Transitioning from vegetarianism, I’m now a 100% vegan.

Rajan Vaid: I was born in Delhi (India). After securing a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics, I worked in the field of telecommunications for more than 20 years in India, Dubai and Australia. Migrated to Adelaide in 2007 with my wife and kids.

Ganesh Loke: I came to Australia twenty years ago with only $500 in my pocket. But with a determined and motivated approach, I have become a successful entrepreneur, social activist, movie producer, writer and motivational speaker. My film production company and training company are based in Parramatta, Sydney. My films, based on social issues, demonstrate the passion to bring about a positive change within communities.

I conduct free events for people in Parramatta to help them prepare resumes for work, find jobs and accommodation, and provide them necessary information and motivational support.

THERE IS MUCH DISILLUSIONMENT WITH POLITICS AND POLITICIANS IN CURRENT TIMES. WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO CHANGE THAT PUBLIC PERCEPTION?

Chris Gambian: We have to focus on people. There needs to be a lot less talking and a lot more listening. And action speaks louder than words: that’s why I have tried to demonstrate what sort of MP I would be through my campaign. I invited every person in my electorate to coffee just to talk. No agenda, just a chance to get to know each other and talk about whatever is on your mind.

Vivek Singha: While there has been disillusionment due to internal political challenges, both the Liberals and Labor have implemented structural changes to reduce churn in leadership. A healthy conflict is always good. With the recent global challenges in the world, and the Coalition governments over the years have led to high power prices, uncontrollable fuel prices, housing unaffordability, unsustainable immigration and unstable government with seven prime ministers in 11 years. I acknowledge the people’s frustration with politicians but voting is our democratic responsibility. Having a sensible Government is critical and this federal election is important for our future.

Vinita Costantino: Politicians need to stop treating each other as opponents, but rather as allies. Whilst varying parties may represent differing needs and values of the community, politicians need to work collaboratively to service the needs of the whole community. This cannot be achieved through disharmony and conflict, because such behaviour only serves to divide. We should all serve the same goal; to make Australia the best country it can be for all who live here.

Rajan Vaid: Current politicians and politics are based on preventive campaign instead of responding to the real issues that Australians are struggling with, like electricity/water/ petrol Prices. Politicians are funding the private sector instead of supporting public services. The public should understand the conspiracy from major politicians who are always worried about climate change, UN, renewables. Any policy they implement means additional direct or indirect tax. We need the Australian system working for the benefit of the Australian people.

Ganesh Loke: Yes, many people are disappointed and disillusioned with politics. We need to restore people’s faith in politics. My role models are Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama. I believe that their philosophy can make this world a better place.We can change the world with love, compassion, support and respect for each other.

ANY SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR THE VOTERS?

keep Australia the best country in the world.

Nikhil Aai Reddy: I have the energy, passion and experience to work with all levels of government to contribute towards a stronger and secure Petrie.

Vinita Costantino: When contemplating our coexistence with animals we must respect their sentience. If an animal feels the same emotions that humans feel, surely humans can empathise with the terror they experience for weeks on a crowded ship in the searing heat and in excrement; amongst dead friends, or the sorrow sobbing dairy cows feel having their newborn babies stolen immediately after birth and slaughtered, or the horrific fear experienced in a slaughterhouse as their friends are slaughtered knowing they’re next. Consider this now, your empathy exists within the context of empowerment to fight for your rights, scream for help and defend yourselves. Animals have no such privilege. It is the mission of the Animal Justice Party (AJP) to remedy this.

We’ve lost our moral compass by only valuing human life. However, intelligent sentient life starts with animals and progresses to humans on the same scale. Yet human arrogance has arbitrarily chosen to only place value on humans despite us being half way up the scale. Consequently, we’ve corrupted our moral code to the extent that even human life is being devalued due to the same arbitrary judgements based on race, religion, etc. To repair our moral compass we need to start at the beginning of the scale of sentient life with animals, and value every sentient being on it.

Consequently, to vote 1 for the AJP is to vote 1 for the restoration of our moral compass.

New Zealand, SriLanka and the challenges faced by nations like the United Kingdom that were once ruling the world but are now struggling for their own independence, the youth have to realise how good they are having it in Australia.

Speaking to people on the shopping centres in Pemulwuy, Greystanes and Merrylands when doorknocking, it is very pleasantly surprising to hear the biggest concern - minor traffic related matters. The youth needs to realise the opportunities that we take for granted everyday. We need to fight hard to protect these. For ourselves and the future generations, the choice is between a strong and secure government or a decade of ruin.

Australia is the best country in the world. This does not happen by accident: with the last quarter’s inflation figures out, the inflation was announced to be at 0%, giving us an indication of the state of the present economy.

Nikhil Aai Reddy: Decisions made by Labor

Chris Gambian: Our parliament will be better when it reflects the diversity of our country. Already I am proud to have been part of Labor’s policy on sponsored parent visas - this policy would make it easier for people to sponsor parents out to Australia for up to 10 years. There would be no cap and families would not have to choose which parent can come to Australia as is currently the case. The fees would also be less, and the renewal could be applied for from Australia so there would be no need to travel back home for a new visa. Policies like this are only possible when a Party truly understands migrant communities. As the son of migrants from India, I bring a perspective that if too often not heard.

Vivek Singha: To everyone, especially the readers of IndianLink, I can share a hundred great things, which can be summed up using 2 phrases: strong economy, secure future. Strong economy guarantees jobs and opportunity for all, and allows for spending on the projects that matter. As regards a secure future, almost 2,000 medicines are on PBS guaranteeing a secure medical future for all Australians. A secure future by the way of sensible and practical immigration, border protection and security and intelligence services ensure that people in Australia can live without worrying about their personal security too much. Coming from India and working in Delhi for 7 years, I personally am so appreciative of the opportunity to live in this beautiful nation. Let us work hard to

Rajan Vaid: Please use your vote for parties that are fighting the election to benefit Australian people. The major parties have made this election just a two preferred party campaign, but one of them digs a hole in the system investing taxpayers’ money on obsolete projects, and the other party keeps funding these projects. Vote for Fraser Anning’s Party so that we can rid ourselves of political parties who are not working for Australians, and implement the policies for the growth of Australia.

Ganesh Loke: Recently Senator Fraser Anning gave an anti-Muslim and antimigration statement just after the NZ massacre, and then few days later the links between gun-lobby and One Nation leader Pauline Hanson were exposed. I believe that there is a larger conspiracy behind this serious issue and it needs to be investigated properly through AFP. Otherwise hundreds of innocent lives may be at risk. If elected, I will propose to investigate this gun lobby scandal and the conspiracy behind it to ‘make Australia safe’. Many other politicians are only condemning Pauline Hanson and Fraser Anning in the Parliament, but nobody has asked for detailed investigation in this issue. If elected, I will pursue this, and will work hard for the benefit of all multicultural communities in Australia.

Also, I will make sure that there is no homelessness in Parramatta, as currently there are hundreds of people in Parramatta who are homeless and the government does not care about them. Also, I want to announce that, if elected, when a constituent in Parramatta needs help, I will go to them instead of them coming to me. I believe that the Member of Parliament is a public servant, and should be available for all people in the electorate.