He previously made history as the first Indian-origin lawmaker in Australia’s Parliament in 2019, is set to fill the vacancy left by the
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Dave Sharma, a trailblazer in Australian politics of Indian origin, has secured a significant victory in the New South Wales Liberal Senate race. The 47-year-old, who previously made history as the first Indian-origin lawmaker in Australia’s Parliament in 2019, is set to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of former Foreign Minister Marise Payne.
Sharma’s return to politics follows his defeat in the 2022 election after representing the Sydney seat of Wentworth. In a closely watched contest within the New South Wales Liberal Party, he triumphed over former New South Wales minister Andrew Constance, a frontrunner supported by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. The final ballot results revealed Sharma’s success with a vote of 251-206.
In 2019, Sharma made history by becoming the first Australian lawmaker of Indian descent, representing a Sydney suburb in the federal election. Now, with this latest success, he continues to play a pivotal role in Australian politics, contributing to the nation’s governance and international relations
Having served as Australia’s ambassador to Israel from 2013 to 2017, Sharma garnered support from moderates within the party. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to succeed Senator Payne, Sharma emphasized his commitment to holding the Albanese government accountable for its decisions and addressing the challenges faced by households in New South Wales amid the Labor Party’s cost-of-living crisis.
In a statement, Sharma articulated his determination to advocate for national security interests in a period of heightened global turmoil. He stated, “The opportunity to serve in the Senate will allow me to fight for our nation’s national security interests.”
Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley commended Sharma as a “fitting replacement” for Senator Payne, noting that his unique perspective would enrich the Australian Senate. This victory marks a significant chapter in Sharma’s political career, reaffirming his influence and presence in shaping Australia’s political landscape.
In 2019, Sharma made history by becoming the first Australian lawmaker of Indian descent, representing a Sydney suburb in the federal election. Now, with this latest success, he continues to play a pivotal role in Australian politics, contributing to the nation’s governance and international relations.
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