Indian links in the 2023 NSW election Getting to know some of the Indian-origin candidates in the upcoming state elections

There are 12 candidates with Indian or South Asian links at the upcoming NSW state election, which is less than two weeks away.

Both major parties – Liberal and Labor –have been under the scanner for ‘parachuting’ other candidates at the eleventh hour, which has often come at the expense of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) representatives. The parties are wary of not repeating that mistake this time around in the state election.

The candidates come from a diverse spread of political parties and platforms. Labor leads the pack by putting up four candidates, while the Liberals and One Nation both have two candidates each. There are two independents and one candidate each from the Nationals as well as the Animal Justice Party.

Here’s what they had to say about the burning issues that they believe are front of mind for voters in this election.

What would you say are the three main issues concerning the voters this election?

Alan Mascarenhas: After 12 years of a Liberal Government in NSW, there is a feeling that it is time for change. People are struggling with the cost of living – groceries, rent, petrol and tolls. It is Labor that best empathises and has a plan to help. More broadly, coming off the peak of COVID, we have an opportunity for a fresh start. This means investing in public services and valuing workers so we start to repair critical understaffing in our schools and hospitals. But I also think people are yearning for a vision for the future and the new challenges our society will face: caring for our aging population, harnessing digital technology, growing jobs in new industries, and addressing climate change.

Mohit Kumar: Having a government with a long term plan to reduce pressure on household budgets, build the infrastructure for the future and invest in frontline services. Sameer Pandey: Better healthcare. Better schools for our growing community.Cost of living: ruling out the sale of Sydney Water.

Sunil Badami: Top of the list has to be the cost of living. With the proliferation of toll roads, with increasing fruit and vegetable prices, with increasing rent and mortgage costs, putting a lot of voters into what they call rental stress or mortgage stress, where more than a third of their income is going in just to have a place to live. So Elizabeth Farrelly Independents is running on three key policies which are:livable communities to ensure every community in NSW in the bush, in the city and in the suburbs, enjoys the same amenities, the same facilities, the same transport and the same opportunities as everywhere else.

Charishma Kaliyanda: The issues that keep popping up when I speak with voters are: Cost of living (people are conscious of and very sensitive to rising grocery prices, energy bills and other necessities); Health (our community is experiencing the effects of a health and hospital system that is struggling to cope with demand), and Education (we are facing significant teacher supply issues, and the current government has failed to deliver essential school infrastructure in newer areas of Sydney).

Rohan Laxmanalal: Cost of living, climate change and health.

Samantha Talakola: Having a government with a long-term plan to reduce pressure on household budgets; build the infrastructure for the future, and invest in frontline services.

Why politics? What convinced you to join the party of your choice?

Mohit Kumar: Many people ask me – why go into politics? Firstly after meeting our retiring member Kevin Conolly MP 12 years ago, I learned of the Liberal Party’s values and history. I found it rang true to me, and aligned with my thinking and beliefs. I’ve been involved with Kevin in his campaigns, and I have been our local branch President for many years. Fast forward to now, and to be selected and to run as a candidate is a huge threemonth undertaking - physically, mentally and financially for both myself, my devoted family, and my wonderful volunteers and supporters.

Charishma Kaliyanda: There’s a saying that goes “you may not be interested in politics, but it is interested in you”. Political decisions affect so many aspects of our daily lives and I wanted to have a voice and be involved in solving the challenges we face. Growing up, my parents reinforced the value and importance of education. I believe that access to high-quality education and training is fundamental to having opportunities to progress and pursue what is meaningful to you in life, regardless of your circumstances. Furthermore, I have experienced the need to have a well-resourced, accessible and proactive public health care system. The only political party that has consistently pursued and delivered on these areas is the Labor Party, which has only reinforced why I joined so many years ago.

Alan Mascarenhas: I’ve always been interested. My family migrated to Australia in the late 1980s under Hawke and Keating. Back at school, I was one of the very few Labor supporters! I see politics as a vocation to help people and give something back to society. I’m passionate about education and ensuring that children have the same opportunities I did. The Labor Party’s values of economic aspiration, fairness and social justice appeal to me most.

Sameer Pandey: I got involved in politics for a simple reason – to serve the community. That is why I’m running as the Labor candidate for Winston Hills because Labor’s Fresh Start plan will deliver for the community. As a father who is currently raising two young children with my wife Nimi, Deputy Lord Mayor of Parramatta and small business owner, I understand the challenges families are facing. I believe we can do better in health, education, and transport. Better in supporting our local businesses. Better for the most vulnerable. Better in caring for our many inspirational elderly and in providing opportunities to our next generation – our youth.

Rohan Laxmanalal: Whether we like it or not, politics affects us all. The major parties have been so incompetent and corrupt over the years. I joined the Animal Justice Party as they aligned with my vegan values, and do not accept donations from property developers or industries such as tobacco, liquor and gambling.

Sunil Badami: I wouldn't be standing for politics, going to meetings and working the campaign trail, if it wasn't for the fact that, unfortunately, both major parties don't seem to be looking after my family or many families around NSW. They seem to be only working for vested interests of big donors, who basically, as the old saying goes that ‘you pay the piper, you call the tune’. Well, as long as a few big multinational companies are connected, mates are calling the tune, I think we need to shake up the band. And that's why I'm standing. I'd love it if I could trust the government to do what was best for all of us. But unfortunately, I can't.

Samantha Talakola: Western Sydney has been in my heart since moving to this area as a young mother ten years ago. It’s where I’ve been raising my two children, where they’ve gone to local public school, and where I’ve worked for the local council and communities in Western Sydney. I left India as an 18-yearold in pursuit of higher education and never in a million years did I think that I would be standing next to the Premier of NSW while making incredibly significant announcements for the future of Western Sydney. This happened because the community embraced me, wrapped its arms around me and supported me. Now I want to give back. And the best way I can show my affection is to be your champion, your voice, and your representative in Parliament.

There’s been much discussion about better representation in politics: more women, more people of colour, more migrants. And yet high-profile mainstream politicians continue to be parachuted in, even in migrant-heavy seats. What are your thoughts here?

Charishma Kaliyanda: I have to point to the progress being made by NSW Labor on this front. This election we have a number of candidates who deeply understand their local communities, were chosen by their local communities and are therefore better placed to represent and advocate for their communities. I have long been an advocate for diversity in political representation and for our parliaments to better reflect the reality of our broader community. That said, I know there has been much discussion about representation of women and people of colour going backwards within the Liberal Party. We should have a bipartisan/multipartisan commitment on this for the needle to truly move forward on representation, one party can’t do all the heavy lifting.

Alan Mascarenhas: Our Parliaments are better when they reflect what Australia is today. In NSW, given the fast-growing Indian diaspora, I hope this will mean a much greater role for our communities. I’m enormously honoured by the support I am receiving in Epping. I want to be judged on my merits first and foremost. But if I my candidacy can inspire others in the community, I am proud of that.

Mohit Kumar: I am very proud of my heritage, and consider myself a modern Australian and a next generation Liberal. I agree that we need to continue to increase the number of women, diversity, and multiculturalism in our politics. And one of the reasons I won the Liberal preselection for Riverstone was because I’ve been a local actively working in many platforms for my community for over 14 years. We also need to attract and support the right people to be our leaders, and our party is working to find diverse individuals with that potential. I’m doing my part to use my heritage to motivate the community, to be an example and show that migrants have an important part to play in politics and shaping our society, and I appreciated how much the Liberal party has supported me. I hope we are all chipping away at breaking down barriers to have a more diverse representation for the future.

Sameer Pandey: Labor is the party of multiculturalism. As a member of the subcontinent community, I am proud that the Labor Party has entrusted me to deliver for the people of Winston Hills.

Samantha Talakola: I am an Indian-born Australian woman that defied all odds when I was 18 to travel to Sydney from my homeland to better my education and start a new life. I am very proud of my heritage, and where I came from but most importantly I am proud what I have managed to achieve as a woman. I have been embraced by this country, the local community, and feel my values align with the Perrottet Liberal Government. My experience has been good. When I decided to put my hand up to run for the seat of Londonderry, I was welcomed and accepted. I never had any resistance there. The Liberals have a strong focus on tolerance and diversity. I have only been encouraged and supported to stand side by side with Premier Dominic Perrottet and the Liberals to accurately represent the people of Londonderry and Western Sydney.

Sunil Badami: The thing about diversity and inclusivity is it's not simply a checklist that you tick off to look good. It's actually an opportunity to enrich and expand the discussion about issues that affect all of us. And how can we have a discussion about the issues that are important to South Asian people, people of South Asian origin, if we don't have anyone of South Asian origin in Parliament to represent us? So, I think it's really important. Whenever you only have one perspective, then you're going to end up missing so many others that could make potentially make a difference and ensure that the policies and ideas that you have to make the state better can actually involve all of us in that conversation.

Rohan Laxmanalal: Personally I think it's very fake when the major party candidates dress up in cultural outfits. They never did that before running as a candidate, so clearly it's of no interest to them other than votes! It is disheartening watching voters (especially those from the minorities mentioned) gravitate towards these high-profile candidates who represent parties with a weak track record/ policy on the two most important issues in our time: human health and climate change. I will continue to raise awareness around this in my community and show them the value of voting for someone like myself with a lower profile but high credentials when it comes to education and work in the community.

What do you think are the pressing needs of the Indian Australian / South Asian community?

Sameer Pandey: The Australia-India relationship has enriched our multicultural nation. Indian Australians and the South Asian community share many of the same issues that everyday Australians share. It is important to acknowledge the many Australian Indian essential workers in NSW, including workers in our health, education, emergency services, cleaning, transport and logistics, retail, engineering and technology sectors.

Alan Mascarenhas: Parents want a stronger focus on education. There is concern that NSW is sliding down international tests. Our schooling system needs to serve the goals of both equity and excellence. Many schools in Epping and Carlingford in particular come with a great reputation. However, they can be overcrowded and are dealing with staff shortages, which impacts quality of instruction. Migrants come to Australia from countries like India precisely for better infrastructure and services. They expect high school standards and for their family to be treated punctually in hospital. But these basics are falling down.

Charishma Kaliyanda: The Indian community is larger and has grown in visibility over the last few years and there is greater engagement with the mainstream. Indian festivals, events, food, culture, dress (and now politicians!) are more recognised. We are seeing more Indian/ South Asian faces represented when it comes to media, sport and, of course, politics. As we enter a more mature phase in our broader multicultural society, I have noticed more conversations with community members about how we maintain connection to culture, language and traditions, especially for younger generations. I also notice more discussion about how we can more effectively address challenges like improving mental health and wellbeing, culturally appropriate aged care and family and domestic violence.

Samantha Talakola: The state has an incredibly strong and passionate Indian and South East Asian community, which the NSW Liberal Government has supported and partnered with on many different platforms. Whether it is contributing financially to ensure the celebration of major cultural events or even the creation of local sporting facilities that include courts for sports that are enjoyed by the local Indian community. Most importantly, for many families in the Londonderry electorate, the rising cost of living and mortgage squeeze is being felt. That is why I am proud to be running for the Perrottet Liberal Government with a long term plan to reduce pressure on household budgets, build the infrastructure for the future and invest in frontline services. Sunil Badami: I think a lot of the issues that affect people of the South Asian community are the same issues that affect people from lots of different communities. We just want to have a place we can call our own, a place where we can worship in our own way, a place where we can feel comfortable to be ourselves. I grew up in Australia in the 1970s and ‘80s. And it was in the shadow of the White Australia Policy. Although there were tentative moves towards multiculturalism, we weren't encouraged to speak our own language, or eat our own food or even dress. And I'm so proud now to see so many young people of Indian origin and even older people like myself, who are proud of being Indian or Pakistani or Sri Lankan; who are proud to celebrate their culture.

Rohan Laxmanalal: The quest for equal opportunity and removing racial bias as echoed by the cricketer Usman Khawaja. Looking at statistics, our Riverstone electorate is 19% Hindi speaking, so you can imagine there is a very large Indian/South Asian Australian population. Some have come to me with family visa problems, although this is a federal matter, but if elected, I can support and escalate their issues. Like many other families in our electorate, they are feeling the community mortgage squeeze, and want more open spaces for their children to play, and more schools to be built or expanded. And I’m always happy to advise them of the positive announcements that the Liberal State Government has made and how they have allocated funding to help with these issues.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Rohan Laxmanalal: I have lived in my electorate for over 20 years and this election will mark my fifth time running as a candidate for a Western Sydney seat. I was an Opportunity Class (OC) and Selective High School student with a background in Finance and Mathematics and currently specialising in renewable energy and environmental markets. I have not consumed meat, dairy, eggs for nearly 5 years in a bid to reduce my risk of heart disease when I am older which is common on my father’s side of the family and many males from the subcontinent. I am also well versed on the ethical and environmental impact of a meat/dairy based diet and try to pass on my knowledge and experience to the community as much as I can during my spare time. Outside of this, I enjoy hanging out with my sister’s dogs, playing tennis, watching cricket/rugby league and learning more about fitness and nutrition.

Alan Mascarenhas: Proudly raised in Sydney’s north west. My family (of Goan heritage) migrated to Carlingford in 1987. Mum was passionate about education, raising me and my sisters after Dad passed away early. I attended Trinity Grammar on scholarship, then completed Bachelor of Arts/Law at Sydney University, followed by a Master of Public Policy at the University of Chicago.

I’ve been a journalist for the Sydney Morning Herald and Newsweek. Currently, I work for a professional editing and writing business called Editor Group. Our clients include many big technology firms in Macquarie Park such as Microsoft and Optus. Some may also know me from my weekly column for the Parra News.

Mohit Kumar: I arrived in Australia by myself as a young 17-year-old international student in 1994. Fast forward several years, and I was enjoying a successful corporate career, but something was missing. I had an undeniable urge to give back to my fellow Australians from whom I had gained so much - my education, career opportunities and most importantly the love of my life, my wife Jennifer. So I handed in my resignation and joined the NSW Police Force. And in almost 20 years, I’ve advanced in the force and am currently serving the Sgt Prosecutor - Head of Court at Blacktown, managing the Prosecutors and fighting for justice for crime victims at one of the busiest courts in NSW. In my policing career, I’ve been recognised and awarded 4 medals including the NSW Police Service Medal for Ethical and Diligent Service and the National Police Medal.

Charishma Kaliyanda: I was born in Bengaluru and migrated to Australia at the age of four with my family. My parents were part of a wave of skilled migrants to arrive in Sydney in the early ‘90s. However, they arrived in the middle of an economic recession and fast had to change their expectations and strategies to adapt to life in Australia. Despite all this though, they were very clear about ensuring that my brother and I were connected to culture, traditions and language. I’m a polyglot, I speak my mother tongue which is Kodava thakk (which is spoken in Kodagu, a small region of Karnataka), Kannada and some Hindi, as well as Spanish and English. I am a registered occupational therapist and have worked with young people to build skills and capacities for most of my career. Most recently, I worked for UNSW Sydney as a mental health promotion officer, as well as for headspace in south-west Sydney. Alongside this, I am in my second term as a councillor on Liverpool City Council.

Sameer Pandey: I am a father with two young children. I have lived in Western Sydney in 19 years. I currently serve as Deputy Lord Mayor of Parramatta and I am small business owner, I understand the challenges families are facing.

Samantha Talakola: Born and raised in Southern India, I migrated to Australia at a young age to pursue higher education in Business Management. Since coming to Australia and calling Western Sydney home, I have grown from strength to strength, and have always been thankful for the support

I have received from our local community. As a single mum, raising two children who attend local schools, I am a passionate community worker, always believing in giving back to our region. Whether it’s in my many volunteer roles or within my professional capacity in disabilities, mental health and with women escaping domestic violence, I am passionate about working with our diverse community. My community experience in Western Sydney means I understand the challenges faced by many families, and the importance of a government which can deliver a strong economy to provide the services those families need.

There is much disillusionment with politics and politicians in current times. What needs to be done to change that public perception?

Samantha Talakola: The Perrottet Liberal government has a long-term plan to keep NSW moving forward, and will always put people before the budget. That is how the Perrottet Liberal Government was able to empathetically deal with major obstacles like droughts, bushfires, floods and the pandemic – but maintain strong economic management. That is how the Liberals have continued to build the schools, hospitals, roads, rail and the metros –for not just today but for generations to come. Sameer Pandey: I believe we can do better in health, education, and transport. Better in supporting our local businesses. Better for the most vulnerable. Better in caring for our many inspirational elderly and in providing opportunities to our next generation – our youth.

Charishma Kaliyanda: Politics and politicians need to better engage with our communities. Over a number of years, I have seen people become cynical as their input into decisions that affect their lives has been reduced. This election we have the opportunity to change that. If we don’t, people’s disillusionment will only get worse.

Mohit Kumar: This Perrottet Liberal government has a long-term plan to keep NSW moving forward, and is determined to bring more transparency and accountability in politics. We have dealt with major obstacles like droughts, bushfires, floods and years of pandemic lockdowns. Despite this, we have continued to build the schools, hospitals, roads, rail and other important infrastructure that our state needs, and still with a triple A credit rating shows how important it is to have strong economic management. Realistically, it is looking more and more likely that there will be uncertain economic times ahead, and we can’t risk Labor – we need leadership, experience, and a proven track record going forward. The Liberal party has delivered that in spades.

Alan Mascarenhas: Corruption in government is a major reason. People see politicians looking after themselves and doing favours for their friends. And to be honest, no side in recent years has been immune. It’s important to vote out a government before it gets too old and the rot sets in. Electing idealistic, energetic new people will refresh the system.

Sunil Badami: Look, I don't think of myself as a politician at all, because I haven't been elected yet. Having said that, I think the big thing is, is this, I don't expect a politician to fix all my problems. I don't expect a politician to be able to do everything right. They're only human and democracy is about negotiation. And it's about consultation. I think the big thing is that we're the reason we don't often trust politicians, the way we do say, doctors. Doctors will tell us the bad news, if they have to, they'll tell us what we need to do. Whereas politicians seem to kind of constantly not want to tell us what it is we need to do to make things right, or they won't tell us the deals that they've made out in back rooms, where they haven't necessarily filled us in on the whole picture.