More than one million Australian citizens and new voters have enrolled to vote since the country's 2016 Federal Election. The figure of 1,030,000 new enrolments, provided by the Australian Electoral Commission, includes 252,000 new citizens who put their names on the electoral roll using enrolment forms provided at citizenship ceremonies.
It is a quarter of a million 'new Australians'; migrants that have become citizens in the last three years. And they will be voting for the first time to choose Australia's federal government on Saturday, May 18.
For many of them, acquiring the right to vote after living and working in the country for many years means that they now feel like they fully belong to their new home.
"I feel I am now a 'full person'," says Paola Magni, 37, a forensic scientist working in criminal investigations, who moved permanently to Perth from her native Italy in 2013. She became an Australian Citizen just three weeks ago.
"I am feeling more Australian because I can now have a voice in Australia and even my small vote can make a change. I am actually proud of being able to vote," she tells SBS Italian.
Dr. Paola Magni, 37, forensic biologist born in Italy. She acquired Australian citizenship in 2019. Source: Facebook
Echoing Paola's sentiment is Giancarlo Tosti-Croce, 39, a consultant in the mining industry.
Born in Chile, Giancarlo arrived in Australia in 2011 and became a citizen in November 2018. He lives in Sydney and spends extensive periods of time working in South Australia.
"After so many years without being able to vote and have a say, to be able to cast a vote is something very important. A very important milestone," he says.
"The possibility of voting boosts my sense of belonging to Australia," says Bri Willis, 29. "I already voted in the New South Wales elections and that was the first time I was really doing something truly Australian, besides celebrating Australia Day and drinking."
Giancarlo Tosti-Croce became Australian citizen in 2018. He was born in Chile. Source: Supplied
Bri works in the music industry and arrived in Sydney from her native New York in 2012, acquiring her citizenship at the end of 2017.
For many of these new Australians, acquiring the right to vote is a significant personal event.
Safana Al-Faris, 63, became an Australian citizen this year.
"This is indeed the first time for me to cast a vote after living for eight years in Australia. Obtaining the citizenship was not an easy process, that's why I look at my vote this year as a true accomplishment".
Safana was impatient to exercise her newly acquired right, telling SBS Arabic24, "I was too excited I even voted early."
Paola Magni is also eager to express her opinion. She believes that voting is a right and a duty for a person whatever country they hail from.
Safana Al-Faris, 63, arrived from Iraq eight years ago and has become Australian citizen in 2019. Source: Supplied
"It is a big thing for me to be now able to cast my vote in this nation," she says. "Also because the type of job I do [as a scientist and teacher specialized in criminal cases] is closely connected with the political world."
The idea of being able to contribute to Australia's prosperity through their expertise is common among these new Australians.
"I work in the music industry and I feel the need to vote more powerfully than ever, for one to protect my industry not only in New South Wales but also interstate," says Bri Willis.
"Two or three years ago I would have said that my interest [in the elections] was zero and I would have voted, had I had the right, just not to get a fine."
But things have changed since she has become a citizen and Bri says she feels involved in the Australian democratic process.
"Further than that, I now read the papers every day and I have become more aware of inaction on global warming, the way Aboriginal people are treated, the situation of people detained offshore."
Importantly, voting allows those who have migrated to Australia to contribute to a public debate often revolving around them.
Bri Willis will vote for the first time to choose the ne Australian government. Source: Supplied
"Migration is a very hot topic in these elections and politicians talk about migrants that are in the country," says Giancarlo Tosti-Croce. "They talk about people that cannot express their opinion and I was one of them, but now I can express my opinion."
Both Giancarlo and Paola say that as voters other Australians, institutions and politicians now take their opinions more seriously. Paola says that she will now be able to speak with politicians in her constituency with the power of a voting, taxpaying citizen.
"I can maybe help them understand my world, and see if they can do something for it."
