BY ANNIE LIU

A new generation of politician is calling for action over a lack of diversity among Australia’s elected officials. 

While Australia has continued to grow as a multicultural population with more than 270 identifiable ancestries, 96 per cent of politicians come from a European background, according to a 2018 Australian Human Rights Commission study. 

Victorian Greens leader Dr Samantha Ratnam, who is of Sri Lankan descent, said the issue creates a “very obvious” gap between Australian society and our elected officials. 

“Who you have around the decision-making table really changes the way you make decisions,” Dr Ratnam said.

Dr Ratnam said this leaves the remaining citizens feeling underrated in their views on the issues of the day.

“We want full diversity reflecting our society,” she said.

Dr Ratnam, the Green's sole representative in the upper house, acknowledged that the country's “political structure needs to adapt” to allow for a diverse cohort of community members to participate in lawmaking.

The campaign to increase diversity is not solely on racial grounds, with Dr Ratman also a passionate advocate for inspiring more young Australians to contribute to our political discourse.

“The majority of young people are passionate and care about the future of their communities and the planet. They want to take part in shaping issues like climate change and housing affordability that will impact young people for generations to come,” she said.

City of Whitehorse Mayor Cr Tina Liu, who represents one of the most diverse municipalities in Victoria, said with growing numbers of migrants in Australia more people must “put their hands up and give [running for election] a go”.

“A more diverse pool of candidates could better represent the voices in society that are not often heard,” Cr Liu said.

Almost a third (29.8 per cent) of Australia’s population was born overseas, with 7.6 million migrants calling Australia home, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data from 2019-20.

“I think it is important for the whole local government sector and all levels of government to show that people are given the access and opportunity to stand and run for an elected position.”

In 2020, nearly every single country in the world is represented in Australia’s population, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

While the recent federal election saw a record number of MPs from non-European backgrounds elected, for Dr Ratnam and Cr Liu the campaign to bring Australia in line with other multicultural nations continues, beginning with the Victorian state election in November.