Indians are now the largest foreign-born population group apart from British people.
Indian permanent migrants hit almost 100,000 last year. This shift in the population raises the prospect that the idea of Australia morphing into a Eurasian nation due to its changing migration and economic links could come with a more sub-continental than Sino complexion.
NSW is leading the way in this battle for political influence with four MPs of Indian background in the 135-seat parliament, three from Labor. There are also several local councillors. WA is not far behind in embracing Indian politicians with a young lawyer, Varun Ghosh, surprisingly chosen to replace revered Indigenous Labor Senator Patrick Dodson this year.
Former high commissioner to India John McCarthy says of the local population: “They come from a very competitive world with so many competing for limited resources. So, they have a natural competitive streak and understand that politics is part of making your way in a new society.”
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