55-year-old Dr Mehreen Faruqi has scripted history in more ways than one as she took her oath as a Senator in Canberra today. She has become the first Muslim woman to occupy a seat in the federal Parliament, and is also the first migrant from the larger Indian sub-continent to participate in Australia's federal politics.
The Greens senator was invited to fill a vacant seat at a time when the country is reeling from the aftershocks of Australia Party Senator, Fraser Anning’s hateful rhetoric about Muslims.
Dr Mehreen Faruqi joins Australian Parliament as its first female Muslim member Source: Auspic –DPS
Ready and raring to represent the community
“Senator Anning's speech was an insult to millions of Australians and completely out of touch with our vibrant multicultural society,” Dr Faruqi told SBS Punjabi.
“The continued dog whistling and thinly veiled racism from members of the Coalition and even Prime Minister Turnbull has emboldened these voices of hate.”
Originally from Pakistan, Dr Faruqi migrated to Australia in 1992 with her husband and infant son and has over the years charted a successful career as an academician and engineer, spearheading vital infrastructure projects across the country.
This is however, the second time that Dr Faruqi’s has made history in Australian politics.
She had earlier become the first Muslim female to hold a political office when she was elected to the New South Wales Parliament in 2013.
Dr Faruqi, who has been highly critical of Senator Anning’s recent speech, told SBS Punjabi that she has been really concerned that the politics of division, fear and racism have found a home in the Federal Parliament.
Source: AAP
“The Turnbull Government has been a complete disaster for the environment, young people are being swindled and ordinary citizens are not being heard, while the big end of town has the ear of the Government.”
"The Greens say it doesn't have to be this way,” added Dr Faruqi.
The parliamentarian, who wants to use her position to “shake up the status quo”, says it’s time to push the boundaries.
“We are a wealthy country but so many are being left behind. This is the time to push boundaries and make the changes that are needed for a future for everyone, no matter where they come from, the colour of their skin, their religion, their post code or their bank balance,” said Dr Faruqi.
