Some people will be casting a ballot in an Australian election for the very first time, including refugee Karna Gurung.
“[My partner and I] spent many years in Bhutan, but then we had to go to Nepal because of some political problems,” he told SBS News.
“We spent 22 years as refugees in Nepal in a camp. We didn’t have any identity in Nepal, then we came to Australia and finally got citizenship.
“We are Australian now, and it is exciting for me to vote.”
Incumbent Liberal Premier Peter Gutwein is chasing at least one more seat to secure a majority government. Labor, led by Rebecca White, would need four.
Karna Gurung will vote in an Australian election for the first time on Saturday. Source: SBS News/Sarah Maunder
Karna said the most important issues to him are hospital accessibility and funding for schools.
“Whatever party wins this time, it doesn’t matter. I just want them to do good for the hospitals, and make it easier to access the hospitals and schools for the kids.”
Earlier this week, Karna attended a how-to-vote session aimed at first-time voters from migrant backgrounds, organised by the Multicultural Council of Tasmania (MCOT) and the state’s Migrant Resource Centre.
We are Australian now, and it is exciting for me to vote. Karna Gurung
Bhim Gurung, also a refugee from Bhutan, also attended the how-to-vote session. He became an Australian citizen in March and said he is excited to vote on Saturday.
"When I was born 35 years ago, I was a person without identification,” he said.
“This year I became an Australian citizen, and it made me so happy. Before I was simply known by my name, and that wasn't enough for me. I can proudly say I am an Australian now."
The most important issue to Bhim this election is healthcare – something borne from a serious finger injury he sustained in 2018.
“I waited two hours for an ambulance, that was horrendous for me. Finally, the ambulance came and it took me to the Royal Hobart Hospital. I had a successful surgery, but right now I'm waiting for another surgery, and I've been on the waiting list for more than a year,” he said.
Bhim Gurung is also voting for the first time this election, which he says is a proud moment for him. Source: SBS News/Sarah Maunder
“I am not satisfied with the emergency services that people are waiting for a long time. That's why I am excited to vote for the first time.”
The Tasmanian branch of the Australian Medical Association said last week the state's health system was at breaking point.
"Doctors in general practice, in emergency departments, on medical wards and in surgery are stressed, exhausted and losing patience," it said in a statement.
Belai Tesfaldet is from Eritrea, and is a community leader for the Tigrinya speaking community in Hobart. He attended the how-to-vote session as a translator.
Belai Tesfaldet is from Eritrea and is a community leader for the Tigrinya speaking community in Hobart. Source: SBS News/Sarah Maunder
“The people in my community come from different corners; Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan,” he said.
“Most of them stayed in refugee camps for a long time, so they need this support. [Voting] is a new experience for them, and it's very important.”
Tasmania has a growing migrant population.
At the time of the 2016 Census, , down from 83.6 per cent in 2011.
Dattaraj Mahambrey, the chairman of MCOT, said he has watched Tasmania's population become more diverse since moving to the state 15 years ago.
"Tasmania has become richer over the past 10 years, with more migration, more diversity and I think that is going to reflect more and more in our institutions, and our democratic process which is a really positive and a welcoming outlook," he said.
MCOT has called for a $650,000 boost in funding for six initiatives to better serve the state's migrant community.
People attending the how-to-vote session this week. Source: SBS News/Sarah Maunder
The measures include culture and language awareness training for emergency services; dedicated multicultural gathering spaces in Hobart, Launceston and the North West; and emergency relief for temporary visa holders ineligible for JobSeeker who have suffered income loss during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Mahambrey said MCOT members were concerned about a number of issues this election.
"There are bigger issues at stake here, such as more representation of the migrant community in governance, on the boards of organisations, and organisations actually having diversity councils, so that they can educate their own people about how diversity can be beneficial to grow the prosperity of organisations," he said.
"The pandemic is another issue that's had a big impact, especially on mental health. A lot of migrants, including myself, haven't seen my family in more than two years. That is a big draining factor for a lot of migrants."
