The conversation with Shadow Minister Burney is a part of our series of interview with the Australian federal member of parliament from the electorates with the highest number of Nepali speakers in Australia.
Here’s a quick snapshot of our conversation with Ms Burney who represents the seat of Barton in the Federal Parliament:
- Federal MP Linda Burney says she is happy for Nepali community members to come to her and discuss issues affecting them.
- The Nepali community is interested in the promotion and preservation of their heritage, language and culture which is very important for future generations.
- The Nepali community must engage in making those people their representatives who support and respects multiculturism.
- We have been working on appropriate accessibility on Centrelink and Medicare services for people from migrant communities.
- It is important too for your representative to understand the problem of small businesses and tax incentives.
The first Aboriginal woman in the Australian Federal Parliament, Ms Burney emphasises the significance and promotion of Nepali culture, stories and education. On the topic of being the first Aboriginal women in the lower house, she says
"I did not think there were enough Aboriginal people in the parliament."
The Labor Party MP said that she wants more Nepali youths to pursue the permanent residency and that she is more than happy to help them on their paths to becoming Australian citizens. She urged Nepali people to become Australian citizens so that they can have a say people who represent them and will fight for their cause.
"That means you'll have a vote and a say about who represents you", she clarifies.
Ms Burney further says she is happy to raise issues faced by people from the Nepali community in the federal parliament. She says, "I as your representative need to know what the issues are; that you want me to take into the federal parliament. If there is anything at all, I can do as your federal member to help with your issues, please let us know."
Burney celebrating World Indigenous Peoples Day with Nepali Community Source: Facebook/Linda Burney
"We supoort and encourange language teaching; support and encourage the maintenance of Nepali stories, dances and songs."
Barton, an electorate in NSW, includes areas such as Arncliffe, Banksia, Bexley and Brighton together with suburbs such as Kogarah and Rockdale where there are large numbers of Nepalis.
According to the 2016 census, 1,051 Nepalis call Kogarah home while more than 2000 people from Nepalese background chose to live in Rockdale. Census results also show that 17,990 Nepalis have taken Australian Citizenship with many more still waiting to hear on their cases.
