The federal election has just been called—and with it, a scramble for the Indian diaspora’s vote. “Ask me again in 15 days,” laughs a Melbourne resident on condition of anonymity, “and I’ll tell you exactly where the community stands. Right now? Things are moving fast—funding for Hindu schools, politicians at Vaisakhi events, but also Eid greetings. And this time, there are Indian-origin candidates on both sides. They know we matter.”
As Australia’s fastest-growing migrant community, Indian-Australians are at a crossroads. Over 700,000 strong, they could sway marginal seats—but only if parties move beyond token gestures. Five voices reveal what it’ll take to win their trust: from cost-of-living relief to genuine representation.
Cost of Living: A Global Challenge
Harpreet Singh Kandra, a Senior Lecturer at Federation University and a community volunteer, believes that rising living costs are not unique to Australia but a global trend.
“Even though the cost of living is a major topic in political discussions across the globe, it is important to recognise that rising living costs are not unique to Australia—they are increasing worldwide,” Kandra says. “Regardless of which government comes into power next, the cost of living is unlikely to see any major reductions.”
He highlights how fluctuating fuel prices and interest rates have a cascading effect on household expenses. “High mortgage interest rates lead to increased rental costs, which is another major expense for many people,” he adds.
Beyond financial concerns, Kandra warns that a push for a full return to office-based work could further strain household budgets. “People will need to use their cars more frequently, spending additional time and money on commuting,” he says.
However, for others, the cost of living is felt more acutely in different areas. Param Singh, an ex-corporate professional turned entrepreneur, reflects, “What really affects me are utilities and insurance.”
He goes on to highlight the sharp rise in home insurance rates, which have surged by 26 percent in just three years. “When I look at my annual expenses, insurance is the second-highest outgoing cost for me. That’s where the real impact is felt.”
Infrastructure and Immigration: The Need for Balance
Gurmeet Singh, a longtime resident of Victoria and a real estate businessman, believes infrastructure must keep pace with population growth. “Housing developments are expanding, but essential services like roads, shopping centres, schools, and public transport are not keeping pace,” he observes.
He also notes that while migration is a driving force in Australia’s economy, illegal immigration needs to be addressed effectively. “It’s encouraging to see that authorities are tackling the issue,” he says.
Do Political Parties Take the Indian Vote for Granted?
For some, engagement from political parties remains inconsistent. Param Singh sees a gap between the community’s economic contributions and political outreach. “We are among the highest taxpayers in this country, but political parties do not actively engage with us,” he says.
According to him, the demographic and geographical spread of Indian-Australians makes them a lower priority for major parties. “Most Indians work in white-collar jobs, with income levels exceeding $150,000. Ideally, we should be Liberal voters, but Liberals don’t engage because we primarily live in urban areas,” he explains.
He points to Melbourne as an example. “There are pockets—like Clayton—where the Indian population is well over 10 percent, and several others where our presence is growing fast. If political parties genuinely want to engage with us, they should be holding town halls in these areas. Engagement means more than standing in front of polling booths, running ads, or sending WhatsApp messages.”
However, Supriya Singh, Melbourne-based sociologist of money, migration, and economic abuse, offers a different perspective. “I don’t think anyone can take my vote for granted,” she says. “Political parties have become more multicultural as the Indian population has grown. Just look at the way Diwali is celebrated in Australia today—it’s remarkable.”
She recalls receiving official messages about the Sikh celebration of Gurpurab, which she sees as a sign of increasing political recognition. “I remember thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, Sikhs must be a significant part of some key constituencies for this to happen,’ because previously, I wasn’t even sure politicians were aware of Gurpurab,” she notes.
Trust in Leadership: A Declining Faith?
Despite acknowledging increased political engagement, Supriya remains sceptical about politicians’ ability to follow through on promises. “I don’t really trust politicians anymore. Time and again, what they say and what they do have been completely different,” she says. “I’ve seen politicians I once respected abandon their beliefs just to hold onto power. And that’s just sad.”
Supriya believes strong leadership has been lacking in recent years. “I wasn’t here in the 1970s, but when I arrived, people still talked about that era—especially about Whitlam. He achieved a lot, like making university education free.”
Foreign Policy and Multiculturalism
Kandra highlights the significance of foreign policy, particularly Australia’s relations with key allies. “It is essential to consider which leader is best suited to manage Australia’s relations with key global partners, particularly the United States,” he says. “Given the current state of global politics, Australia must avoid electing someone who follows the same style of governance as Donald Trump, as this could pose a serious threat to multiculturalism.”
While India-Australia relations are strong, Param Singh does not believe they will influence his vote unless a major diplomatic dispute arises. “India-Australia relations would likely not influence my vote unless there were a major diplomatic dispute—like the recent tensions between India and Canada,” he says.
Supriya offers a broader perspective on Australia’s policies and multicultural identity. “Overall, I think our policies are forward-looking. When you compare Australia to other countries—whether in healthcare or multiculturalism—it’s a good place to live. Of course, political considerations play a role, but when you ask someone what an ‘Australian’ looks like, it’s still often assumed to mean white and Anglo-Celtic. Unless, of course, the person is excelling in sports or science—then suddenly, everyone proudly claims them as Australian.
“That’s just the way it is. Everywhere in the world, there are barriers of language, culture, and religion. There’s no perfect society.”
The Power of Every Vote
Despite concerns about representation and trust in politicians, Kandra believes that voting remains crucial. “Every vote counts, just like every drop in a vast ocean contributes to its depth,” he says. “Through open discussions and ethnic media platforms like The Indian Sun, we can educate and encourage people to understand the importance of their vote.”
However, not everyone shares the same level of optimism. Manglalleima Bymra, a housewife based in Sydney, expresses a more sceptical view. “My vote feels like just another number in the system. While I participate in elections, there isn’t a strong sense that my vote significantly influences outcomes.”
The Big Picture
With over 700,000 Indian-born Australians—and many more second-gen voters—the diaspora’s political awakening is brewing. But as rising costs strain households and representation lags, the question remains: Will parties invest in this community before it’s too late?
“We’re not asking for special treatment,” says Bymra. “Just a fair shot at the Australian dream.”
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🇦🇺 Indian-Australians (700K+) emerge as key election deciders. 💰 Cost of living, infrastructure & genuine engagement top concerns—not just cultural gestures. 🗳️ "We want policy impact, not just Diwali photos," say community leaders. #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/hI9EiBecXE
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