Brad Battin took charge as Leader of the Opposition in December 2024, stepping into a role that has often struggled with engaging Victoria’s Indian community. The legacy of Ted Baillieu, shaped in part by adviser Nitin Gupta, set a benchmark for inclusive outreach. The question now is whether Battin will adopt a similar strategy or take a different approach.
Lessons from Baillieu’s Playbook
During Ted Baillieu’s tenure, engagement with Victoria’s Indian diaspora went beyond mere symbolism. When concerns over attacks on Indian students escalated in 2009, Baillieu and Nitin made it a priority to meet with Indian politicians, business leaders, and students to address the issue directly. The commitment to bilateral relations extended beyond press statements, with delegations to India reinforcing trust and cooperation. This effort ensured policy decisions considered the long-term interests of the community rather than short-term electoral gains.
Nitin’s role was crucial in ensuring the outreach wasn’t limited to festival visits or generic pledges. By fostering engagement with small business owners, students, and professionals, the strategy built lasting connections rather than relying on ceremonial handshakes. This level of depth in engagement is something Battin will need to consider if he wants to make headway with Victoria’s Indian community.
The Battin Approach
With a background in policing and small business, Battin has focused on crime prevention, youth justice, and reducing red tape for entrepreneurs. Since becoming Opposition Leader, he has retained the Shadow Ministry for Small and Medium Business but does not have a multicultural affairs focus in his current portfolio. This gap could prove costly if the Liberals aim to expand their voter base in electorates where the Indian community is growing rapidly.
His advocacy for streamlining regulations may find favour with Indian entrepreneurs, who make up a sizable portion of Victoria’s small business sector. However, engagement must go beyond economic policy. Issues such as skilled migration pathways, education partnerships, and cultural representation in policymaking matter deeply to this community.
Werribee and the Missed Opportunity
The Werribee by-election provided a glimpse into the potential influence of Indian voters. While specific voting trends remain unclear, demographic data points to a sharp rise in the Indian population in the area. Key concerns for these voters include visa processing times, mental health support tailored for migrants, and access to quality education.
The Liberals’ failure to tap into these priorities meant an opportunity was lost. Had there been targeted engagement—such as policy forums or consultations with community leaders—the party may have seen stronger traction. Battin’s pro-business stance aligns with the aspirations of many Indian-Australian voters, but visibility and dialogue are essential.
A Blueprint for Rebuilding Engagement
Reviving Baillieu’s model would require a multi-faceted approach. Hosting policy-driven dialogues tailored to different professional groups—such as IT professionals in Clayton or agricultural workers in Shepparton—could yield meaningful connections. Collaborations with business councils, cultural groups, and community organisations could also drive engagement beyond traditional political events.
Equipping candidates and staff with cultural competency training would help avoid blanket approaches that fail to recognise the diversity within the Indian diaspora. Beyond linguistic and regional variations, understanding the professional and economic priorities of different segments of the community could provide the Liberals with an edge in future elections.
Holi and the Road Ahead
Holi presents an immediate chance for Battin to establish a stronger presence. While participation in public celebrations is a start, real engagement requires tangible action. Small business grants for Indian entrepreneurs to organise Holi events could tie into his economic agenda. Partnering with law enforcement to ensure public safety at cultural gatherings would align with his policing background.
The broader challenge for Battin is ensuring these gestures translate into sustained political engagement. Appointing an Indian-Australian adviser could be a step in the right direction, mirroring Nitin’s role under Baillieu. Leveraging backbenchers with ties to multicultural communities to lead policy consultations could also prove valuable.
Beyond the Electoral Cycle
Reaching out to the Indian community cannot be an election-year tactic. With projections indicating the Indian diaspora in Victoria could reach 400,000 by 2030, their political influence will only grow. Addressing skilled migration hurdles, fostering university partnerships, and supporting business innovation are areas where Battin can make an impact.
If the goal is to truly resonate with Victoria’s Indian electorate, the strategy must be clear: engage, listen, and act on issues that matter. The groundwork laid now will determine whether the Liberals can build lasting trust—or remain on the political sidelines.
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