Our Diverse Democracy

HY William Chan is a Sydney architect, urban planner and recent fellow in sustainable cities with the UN, advocating for youth and climate justice. He is passionate about empowering people to shape the city of the future. For over a decade, Will has championed social inclusion and climate resilience in our urban communities, collaborating with homeless people, refugees and asylum seekers, youth and children.

A first-generation migrant, Will was educated at the University of Sydney, where he was awarded the University Medal in Architecture. He has since practiced within the City as an architect and urban planner. At present, William is campaigning to become a Councillor at the City of Sydney under The Clover Moore Independent Team.

In this episode I talk to Anka Sahin, an Australian immigration law professional, who has assisted thousands of individuals from more than 80 different nationalities and advised some of the most prominent corporate entities in Australia on employee eligibility, sponsorship obligations and compliance.

Between 2010 and 2012, he successfully and single-handedly lobbied the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) in New Zealand to adopt a Māori name as well as institute a standard Māori term for 'Licensed Immigration Adviser'.

Due to the nature of his work and his own experience of integrating into two different countries as a migrant himself, Anka has an intimate understanding of the practical as well as legislative obstacles faced by new migrants wanting to take part in politics in Australia.

In Australia, the federal parliament lacks people of colour representatives. Data on the cultural diversity of the 46th parliament is scarce, but a 2018 report from the Australian Human Rights Commission found just 4.1 per cent of parliamentarians had a non-European background.

This episode's guest, Mannie Kaur Verma, is a lawyer and human rights advocate and she is a member of the Labor party and an active member of EMILY’s list Australia. She is also currently doing research with Deakin University on the topic of viewing Australian politics from the lens of intersectionality.

Tatum Moore is a Dubbo community leader, a proud Indigenous woman, mother of three, a business advisor and mentor and also a business owner, who is running to become a councillor at Dubbo Regional City Council. If elected, she will be the very first Indigenous woman ever elected into council as well as being the youngest. Allies in Politics talks to Tatum about her reasons for running, how she has and still is overcoming challenges uniquely faced by women of colour and finally why other people of colour should follow in her footsteps.

The Australian Progressives and I talk about how poverty is a political choice and who the most vulnerable groups are, to most suffer from poverty. We also touch lightly on the need to support minor parties and recent changes in legislation that seek to reduce the number and influence of minor parties in the Australian political arena.

We've re-branded to Allies in Politics and so here's our new teaser!

Michelle Kleinert (past Mayor of Manningham City Council, current executive officer of ALGWA - VIC and candidate for Westerfold Ward, Manningham City Council) talks to Ozgirl Politics about her experience as a seasoned councillor and mayor of Manningham and the unique challenges that women face in getting elected.