This conversation with MP Ged Kearney 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.
Here's a quick snapshot of our conversation with Ms Kearney who represents the seat of Batman in the federal parliament. A significant number of Nepali speakers live in Batman, which includes suburbs like Preston, Kingsbury, Reservoir and Thornbury.
- We need to ensure International students are not exploited
- Many people come to me seeking assistance in issues relating to immigration, visa and citizenship
- We help a lot of people struggling with the bureaucracy when trying to access services like Medicare and (National Disability Insurance Scheme) NDIS
- I can help you with very personal issues to significant concerns of your community
- Over the next while, my office will try to educate people who are having problems at their workplace and help them
- The Nepali people are well educated, always very polite but very determined to get their message across
Ged entered mainstream politics after her tenure as the president of the Australian Council for Trade Union (ACTU). Ms Kearney got elected in the recent by-election after incumbent David Feeny resigned from the seat of Batman over dual citizenship issue.
"While working as a nurse, I had the opportunity to observe many people and understand their issues closely", says Kearney.
On the occasion of International Women's Day Source: Facebook/Ged Kearney
"One thing, I discovered as a nurse is you have to learn about people and never judge people for their opinions and always be respectful even if you disagree."
Recognising the needs of people in her constituency, Ms Kearney is urging members of the Nepali community in Batman to contact her if they are struggling with the bureaucracy to access government services like Medicare, NDIS and Centrelink or if they need help with applying for Australian citizenship.
"A lot of people come and see me regarding immigration issues like trouble with visas or if they've applied for citizenship."
Ged Kearney considers the issues surrounding international students of great importance since it involves lives of so many people in her local electorate.
Speaking to SBS Nepali, she says there is a lot to be desired in this sector. "Firstly, finding affordable housing is a major problem. If you haven't got a roof over your head, how can you study how can you make sure that you're well and cared for?"
"The second thing is they are dreadfully exploited. They may just have a little job or a part-time job, but we need to make sure they are treated well and paid correctly.”
Stressing the importance communities getting engaged with international students, she says, "Many international students feel isolated when they first come to this country. Their broader community needs to know where they are and what they are doing. We need to link students with their community so they can get mentors and feel like they have family here too."
Urging international students who may be struggling or feeling isolated to come forward, Ms Kearney says,
"There are many things we can do for international students, so if you are a student who is feeling lonely or unable to deal with problems, I ask you to come and see me without any hesitation."
Ms Kearney has worked with Nepali people since her time at the International Labour Organization (ILO) and is very fond of their politeness and culture of respecting others. "Nepali people are very articulate and very determined to get their message across but always very polite and respectful. And, so, I always very much enjoyed working with them", she said.
Ms Kearney, who believes in Batsman's diversity is of the opinion that rapidly growing Nepali community is quickly establishing itself as an important stakeholder in the area.
Source: Facebook/Ged Kearney
"The beautiful thing about Batman is that we have very diverse communities with many cultures and many different languages. The Nepali community is an important part of that diversity which is one of the fastest growing communities not only in the Batman but in the state of Victoria. I know their presence will contribute a lot to our society."
Asking Nepalis to keep their bond intact, she told SBS Nepali "What I would like to say to the Nepali community is that strong families build strong communities that build a cohesive society. Anything I can do as your local Member of Parliament to help that and to foster that and to grow that please just ask me and I really love to be part of it."
Electoral Commission has altered the divisional name of "Batman" to "Cooper" as proposed by the Redistribution Committee for Victoria. The names and boundaries of the federal electoral divisions for Victoria will apply from Friday 13 July 2018 when a notice of determination is published in the Commonwealth Government Notices Gazette. Electoral events will not be contested on these new federal electoral divisions until a writ is issued for a full federal election.
