Political campaigning ahead of the 2025 Federal Election has been like no other in Australia so far. Social media has played a huge role in many candidates’ tactics to win over voters, a move perhaps inspired by the 2024 US Election. Last year, we saw President Donald Trump and Kamala Harris doing podcast appearances, influencer meet-and-greets, and enlisting high profile celebrities for endorsements in a bid to connect with younger voters. 

In a similar fashion, Australia’s major parties, plus some smaller parties and independent candidates, have adopted various strategies to engage millennial and Gen Z voters. From thirst traps on TikTok with photos of politicians from their younger days, to Instagram memes, interviews with content creators and yes, more podcast appearances, Aussie candidates are waking up to the power of younger generations. As reported by Reuters, millennials and Gen Z voters make up 43% of 18 million people enrolled to vote at the federal election this year, outnumbering the baby boomer bloc. 

At Draw Your Box, our core audience is second generation South Asian Australians – those who’ve typically grown up in Australia after their parents migrated from the subcontinent. A large proportion of this audience falls into the millennial and Gen Z categories, which is why it’s important to us to pay attention to how young South Asians in Australia feel going into this election. 

We did an online callout to young South Asian Australians to hear more about the social, economic and political issues they feel particularly passionate about when considering how they will vote in the federal election. Climate change, cost of living and foreign policy were common issues that came up. 

Of course, the South Asian diaspora is diverse – in age and cultural background (those from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). It’s on track to become the largest migrant community in Australia. Meanwhile, of the 8.6 million in Australia who were born overseas (as of June 2024), the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports India (916,000 people) made up the second largest group, with a continued increase recorded over the last three years. If we combine overseas-born migrants who are eligible to vote, with Australian-born Indians – that’s a significant voting bloc right there. 

So, what do South Asian politicians in Australia – from federal, state and local levels of government – believe are key issues that South Asians will be considering when they head to the polling booths on May 3? We approached representatives from major parties, smaller parties and independents to showcase a diverse spectrum of views as best as we can – and these are the answers we received. For full disclosure, a few Liberal Party representatives declined the opportunity to comment, while others (from various parties and electorates) didn’t respond before our publishing deadline. 

We’d also like to state as a disclaimer that the various voices and perspectives about Australian politics and the election that are published below represent the opinions and/or views expressed by the individual interviewees, and not necessarily those of Draw Your Box. 

We asked young South Asians in Australia:

“As a South Asian in Australia, what issues matter to you most as a voter during this Australia Federal Election?”

Amani, 26 (NSW) 

Cost of living, housing affordability, foreign policy, and human rights.

Akshay, 31 (NSW)

Fairness, equality and certainty for our communities and their future. People that will defend and represent our communities, our faiths and cultures. We are sick of platitudes and empty promises. 

Rubaiyah, 34 (NSW)

Cost of living relief for vulnerable groups and families, housing affordability, protection of subsidised healthcare, retraining the workforce to prepare for the future of work and digital shifts. 

Kayshini, 27 (NSW)

Gender equality and women empowerment matter the most to me. Providing leadership opportunities to emerging talent, as well as focusing on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. 

Elina, 23 (VIC) 

Ensuring accurate representation of diasporas, particularly in federal parliament, ensuring decisions appropriately reflect the populations they’re designed to serve. Meaningful youth engagement and decision-making in politics – ensuring decisions made about young people aren’t made without their decisions and input. 

Guneet, 29 (NSW)

Palestine, Dental into Medicare, and cost of living.

Risha, 23 (VIC) 

I’m quite anxious as a young woman of colour, as to what Australia would like for me if we continue to do the bare minimum for climate action, to not properly address the rising violence against women that’s taking a hold of our country and to combat the housing crisis. I think I’ve resigned to the fact that I may never be able to afford my own home, but the rising violence against women is something I’ll never be able to stomach.

Charlene, 23 (VIC) 

Climate change

Deshna, 32 (VIC)

Immigration and multicultural policies, cost of living and economic stability (HECS debt, home ownership, inflation, housing and businesses etc.), health care access (for gender affirming care, dental, mental health!!), treaty (including) better representation for POC in politics and other avenues), solidarity – whether it’s with diaspora communities, our Indigenous populations and/or those seeking asylum. 

Kriti, 28 (NSW)

Mental health, and cost of living.

Divyaah, 30 (VIC) 

As a full time student, I’m looking at issues addressing cost of living, HECS debts and housing/rental assistance. I’m also looking at parties in favour of working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to ensure we are addressing health inequities, and also those in favour of continuing traditional practices such as the “Welcome to Country”.   

Yatha, 28 (NSW)

Cost of living, housing and healthcare.

Aruna, 42 (VIC) 

Cost of living, inclusion with a specific focus on migrants and refugees, women’s health and wellbeing, public education, preserving Medicare, and meaningful climate action.

Dilini, 32 (NSW)

Gaza war – Australia shouldn’t be funding the death of innocent people. Cost of living – causes quality of life to decrease. 

Neha (NSW)

Palestine, climate change, racism, immigration and refugee policies, Indigenous rights, disability Rights, the rise of neo nazis/islamophobia/antisemitism, trans gender rights, housing, funding for the Arts and Screen industry, local content quota for streamers.

Zoe, 26 (NSW)

Palestine, trans rights and climate.

Bell, 22 (NSW)

Ensuring that people of colour are respected by the candidate is essential. If there’s no Welcome to Country, that’s an instant no for me, because if you can’t show respect to Indigenous people, how can I trust you to respect our communities as a whole?

Vik, 33 (NSW) 

Climate, because in my culture we believe that the earth is a conscious being, Bhoodevi, while nature is Bhuvaneswari… while the majority of Australians subscribe to the belief that the earth is inanimate and can be exploited indiscriminately for resources. Our beliefs are more in alignment with First Nations’ connection to nature.  Also public education and healthcare because everyone deserves these as a birthright.

We asked South Asian representatives and candidates in federal, state and local government in Australia:

“What do you believe are the issues that South Asians will consider when they go to the polling booths on Saturday May 3 to cast their vote in the Australian Federal Election?”

Samantha Ratnam (Greens Candidate for Wills)

“The most pressing issue for voters at this election is the cost of living. People are struggling with the increasing cost of groceries, rents and mortgages, and health care costs, including dental and mental health care.

“More specific to the South Asian community are issues concerning immigration, in particular, accessing family reunion visas and permanent residency. Increasing racism off the back of foreign students being unfairly blamed for the housing crisis is also a real concern for many in the South Asian community I have spoken to over the course of the campaign.” 

Varun Ghosh (Labor Senator for Western Australia)

“Like many Australians, South Asian Australians value education and understand the importance of hard work. 

“South Asian Australians are looking for policies that deliver relief on cost of living, provide access to a good education, generate secure, well-paying jobs, and foster an environment in which small business can thrive.

“I care deeply about ensuring that all Australians have access to a high-quality education, no matter where they were born or where they live.”

Rattan Virk (Liberal Candidate for Greenway)

“Hundreds of thousands of migrants from south Asia have made Australia their home in recent years… Australians with South Asian heritage want politicians that understand the needs of our community.

“But more than ever – like all Australians – those from a South Asian background are buckling under a cost of living crisis.”

Ash Ambihaipahar (Labor Candidate for Barton)

“In uncertain times people are looking for steady leadership and a government that protects the things that matter most. South Asian Australians want a leader that brings people together, and gives us hope for the future, not one that stokes division and hatred.”

Indu Balachandran (Councillor, Ku-ring-gai Council)

“Our South Asian community in Australia consists primarily of citizens and residents, followed by skilled migrants and students on visas. Critical issues for the first two groups are housing and access to education for their children. For longer-term Indian-Australians, family visas are critical to enable them to care for elderly parents.

“Many of Australia’s skill gaps in engineering, technology, nursing, healthcare, and hospitality are filled by migrants from South Asia and it can be difficult for them to gain employment at the skill level they have. This is a real waste for our country. International students have told me they are not always prepared for the cost and dynamics of studying here, and we have to have better regulation of shonky intermediaries. Again, given the skills and labor shortage in Australia there is a pool of casual and hardworking talent looking for opportunities and are limited by their student visa conditions of 20-hours a week.

“And finally, these communities want to be treated with dignity and equity. Australian politicians and people have to be able to have debates about immigration without making it personal and making migrants feel unwelcome.”

Michelle Ananda-Rajah (Labor’s Victorian Candidate for the Senate)

“The aspirations of South Asians are broadly in line with all Australians but differ on one crucial point being the importance of inclusion. As a migrant, a sense of belonging for all Australians is foundational to thriving.

“As the first Tamil Australian elected to the Federal Parliament, I am acutely sensitive to the unconscious biases which harm or holds back migrants…”

“Which [issue] matters the most to the South Asian community? I nominate education because it is the most powerful lever against social disadvantage. It was transformational for my parents and their kids…. But as important is the scaffolding for a successful life like affordable housing, Medicare, decent wages and working conditions, infrastructure and paid parental leave (with super).”

Charishma Kaliyanda (Labor’s State Member for Liverpool) 

“The concerns of the South Asian community are not so dissimilar to Australians more broadly. Cost of living is front of mind, and as they cast their ballot, they’ll be considering who will deliver long-term relief, and align vital institutions like Medicare with the country’s evolving health and wellbeing needs.

“Many South Asians came to Australia as migrants or international students, and have since contributed enormously to our community. It is not lost on us, that discussions around migration caps and cutting international student numbers devalues that contribution.”

Payal Tiwari (Greens Candidate for Holt) 

“As a proud South Asian woman, I understand the hopes, challenges, and aspirations that many in our community carry with them as they head to the polling booths this Saturday, May 3.

“Here’s what I believe are the issues that will matter most to us:

“Cost of living & housing pressure: Our families are being squeezed. Rents are soaring, groceries cost more every week, and many South Asian families — including new migrants — are struggling to find affordable housing.

“Healthcare you can rely on: From long wait times to unaffordable gap fees, our public health system is under pressure.

“Jobs, underemployment & opportunity: Too many in our community are overqualified and underemployed.

“Also education for our children, migration, visas & fairness, family violence support, climate action & environmental justice, and representation that reflects us.”