This conversation with MP Jason Clare is a part of our series of interviews with the Australian federal member of parliament from the electorates with the highest number of Nepali speakers in Australia.
The federal seat of Blaxland, which is named in the honour of Blue Mountain Explorer Gregory Blaxland, covers the inner-western Sydney suburbs including Georges Hall, Chester Hill as well as parts of the suburbs of Auburn, South Granville, Bankstown, and Lidcombe.
Here's a snapshot of SBS Nepali’s conversation with the federal Member of Parliament - Jason Clare, who in the past has held ministerial portfolios such as justice, home affairs and defence materiel:
• Blaxland has many people from overseas living in harmony
• I am aware living in Sydney is expensive and for some people, it is pretty tough out there
• Education is the key to success in multicultural Australia
• Many people visit me to help with their visa application
• People also drop in to get assistance in a range of other issues like accessing their superannuation early, telecommunications disputes
• I always encourage people to come and see if they have got any issues; if I cannot help them, my office will find the right person to help them.
Mr Clare points out that growing up in and around the Sydney suburbs of Cabramatta and Fairfield made him aware of the plight of overseas immigrants who had to learn a new language and often struggled to integrate into Australian society.
He says he was inspired into politics by Bob Hawke’s election as Prime Minister in 1983.
"I've always been interested in helping others. Politics is a way that allows me to do that particularly for our community which needs more help than most communities."
He says believes education plays a vital role in improving people's lives.
"If we get the right education for our kids, then they go on to great careers and will be able to raise families, buy a house and have a successful life".
He says he is acutely aware of the issues people are generally worried about, such as inflation and the cost of living, overloaded hospitals and traffic congestion, but he says that most people coming to see him are often concerned about issues relating to visas.
"A lot of people will come and see me at my office about a visa application that they've got there waiting for the Department of Immigration to process it and ask for help to see whether they can speed that up."
Mr Clare believes a lot of people born overseas are of an enterprising nature and says he's happy to make it easier for people wanting to set-up a business.
"We need more people to set up their own business. People who are born overseas tend to be more likely to set up a business than who are born here in Australia. If there's anything we can make it easier for you to set up a business, let us know.
“I always encourage people to come and see me, and if I can't help you, I can find somebody who can I can direct you to another politician in another area or in another level of government that might be able to help you."
Mr Clare also makes the case that the three-tier government system in Australia can create confusion for many people who have come here to settle from overseas.
"There are three levels of government in Australia - local councils, state governments and the federal governments. They deal with different issues. It is a complicated system, and I understand people can get confused. So the best thing to do is if you've got a problem is pick up the phone ring my office."
He also cites mental health as one of the last taboos of our society and says it's imperative to talk about mental health issues, such as depression, with loved ones and also to seek help.
