A touch of cultural diversity in politics

This is no easy task, and I applaud all those individuals from non English speaking backgrounds who have volunteered and stepped up in their respective political parties.

My experiences have informed me that multicultural communities tend to feel more engaged and empowered when they can see that an individual from the same cultural or religious background is serving in a civic position. The perceptions of members of parliaments and councillors for the majority of migrant and refugee communities are still Anglo-Saxon men in their 50s and 60s with very similar education and career backgrounds. We have to start changing this!

I can certainly say from my experience, many residents from a Chinese background have actively made contact with me to discuss local issues. Some have said to me it was their very first time engaging an elected representative!

Realising the full potential of people from non English speaking backgrounds in civic positions will create tremendous cultural, educational and social benefits and fully utilise the talent and skills of Australia's well educated and experienced multicultural communities. We definitely have an important role to play to shape leadership and improve opportunities and participation for people from non English speaking backgrounds.

I would like to call on all political parties to be more inclusive and open up their doors.