Liberal candidate for McMahon Vivek Singha said he is passionate about transforming the western Sydney electorate which has been held by Labor MP Chris Bowen since 2004.
"I believe our Government's economic plan can help families across this community,” Mr Singha told SBS Hindi.
Highlights:
- The seat of McMahon covers parts of several local government areas in the central part of Western Sydney
- Indian Australians make up a significant share of voters
- Liberals have selected Indian-born financial services professional Vivek Singha to run against Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen in this safe Labor seat
Indian Australian Mr Singha, who is an IT and finance professional, is campaigning to get small businesses the support and tax relief they need.
Responding to what gives him an edge over sitting Labor MP Chris Bowen, he said Labor lacks "connection to the local community".
Fairfield is one of the most multicultural and culturally diverse cities in Australia.
Mr Bowen, who is the shadow minister for climate change and energy, has acknowledged that McMahon is a multicultural seat.
"It is home to a large multicultural community, including Assyrians, Chaldeans, Italians, Maltese and Vietnamese. I'm proud to represent people from so many different backgrounds and faiths in our Parliament," he is quoted as saying on his website.
Mr Bowen held on to the seat in 2019 after a swing against Labor of -5.55 per cent.
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Liberal candidate Vivek Singha hopes to transform long-held Labor seat of McMahon
SBS Hindi
16/05/202214:01
The McMahon electorate, which was previously known as Prospect, has been held by Labor since 1969 and covers parts of the Cumberland and Fairfield council areas.
This electorate is an industrial hub with a mix of commercial and residential developments.
The seat covers the suburb of Fairfield itself as well as the suburbs of Smithfield, Wetherill Park, Greystanes, Pemulwuy, Erskine Park, Guildford, Carramar and St Clair, and parts of Merrylands.
Mr Singha added that the cost of living, social housing, and aspirational needs for people to find a job, guaranteeing economic activity, are important issues for the electorate.
He said it is important to have the right tax structures to incentivise innovation and business, to maximise economic growth.
I will work towards lowering taxes and increasing employment opportunities in Western Sydney and make sure that this community gets the support they need.
Liberal party candidate Vivek Singha with his children Source: Vevek Singha
His youngest son’s diagnosis with FOXG1 syndrome inspired him to start a foundation to find a gene therapy cure.
It also became the catalyst for him to enter politics.
Mr Singha’s said his earnest desire is for a system wherein no child or family suffers due to an avoidable medical condition.
He said he is dedication to ensuring the community has access to world-class hospitals and medical research and healthcare.
His focus is to invest the nation’s wealth wisely.
Good economic management, continuous support and boosting economic activity are important to achieving that.
Mr Singha pointed to "record investment" in social housing, infrastructure and Sydney’s second airport under the Liberal government over the last few years.
Mr Bowen has previously taken to social media to hit out at the disparity in financial support between McMahon and other parts of Sydney.
"Is North Sydney really needing so much government funding while western Sydney communities miss out?" he tweeted in December 2021.
Indians are now the second largest migrant group in Australia and making significant contributions to the country’s economy.
While very few Indians are running for election, there is a growing engagement in Australia’s political system within the community.
Gurmesh Singh, Nitin Daniel Mookhey, Lisa Singh and Dave Sharma are among the few Indian Australians who have registered their presence in State or Federal Australian politics.
Listen to the podcast in Hindi by clicking on the audio icon inside the picture at the top.
