It is my aspiration to see that every Australian, irrespective of their background, gets a fair go

 “It is my aspiration to see that every Australian, irrespective of their background, gets a fair go”:Andrew Bragg, Senator for New South Wales

Andrew Bragg, Senator for New South Wales talks to Indus Age on his political aspirations, his views on the Indian community, his take on gender equality and more in an exclusive interview.

By Shashi Narasimhiah

You are one of the youngest senators in the Australian Parliament. What are your political aspirations and goals?

I got into politics to make a difference and to advocate policies that support enterprise, freedom, and primacy of the individual.

It is my aspiration to see that every Australian, irrespective of their background, gets a fair go. That means being able to access the opportunities and platforms in place to realise their dream. These arise off the back of strong economy – a strong economy leads to a fair society.

In 2018 Wentworth by-election, you stepped aside to make way for a woman contestant. What is your opinion on the current level of gender equality in our society and if not already achieved, what are your plans to achieve gender equality? What measures can we take to prevent ourselves from over-reaching?

If we look at the Senate, what we observe is a 50-50 gender balance with the election of Sarah Henderson. We need to continue to harness the strengths that women bring to role and what that does in boosting the economy. We need to ensure roles and industries at from a grassroots level all the way up to the C-level/executive, give equal opportunity to women.

We must always select the best candidates, whether that’s in business or politics, based on merit.

Currently Australian economy is sluggish and growth is not strong.  Being an accountant and having worked in the corporate sector. What are your plans to strengthen the economy and its growth? What are the trigger points?

I can’t imagine why many would suggest the Australian economy is staggering. We have global trade headwinds and wages have been stagnating. From another point of views, I think Australians have a lot to be proud of and to be optimistic into the future. When the Coalition was elected in 2013, the economy was weak, unemployment was rising and the budget was in a mess. Today, the Coalition is building a strong economy, creating jobs and repairing the budget. We have created over 1.3 million new jobs. A record number of young Australians and women are in employment. Welfare dependency is at thirty-year lows. We have brought down a surplus budget while delivering the services that the Australian people deserve, all without raising taxes.

How do you intend to progress your mission to properly recognising Indigenous people of Australia? Do you have any specific plans?

I am proud to support my friend Ken Wyatt, the first Indigenous Australian elected to the House of Representatives, the first to serve as government minister, and the first appointed to cabinet.

I have been a passionate supporter for an Indigenous voice to Parliament and that the advisory body should be enshrined in the constitution.

Do you have any contact with the Indian Australian community? How do we collectively enhance the assimilation of migrant Indians in Australian industry and what are the niche areas where the migrant Indians can effectively contribute?

I love the Indian Australian community here, especially since my roommate in Canberra is our first ever Indian-background Member of Parliament – Dave Sharma! Dave is a very dear friend of mine it was special to share my maiden speech day with him. I’m proud to say that prior to my election to Parliament; I have been involved with the Australia India Youth Dialogue. I have also been a strong advocate of the Varghese Report – how we can strengthen economic ties between India and Australia.

I don’t think assimilation is the correct term. I think Indian Australians embody what it means to be Australian. They have an impeccable work ethic and have an ambition to get ahead, look after their family and one another, and give back to the community. We’ve seen some amazing Australians of Indian background achieve great things for our country both in a economic and civic perspective.

Australia is a migrant nation and I think Indian Australians are and can continue to aspire to be role model citizens. Whether that is having a go and setting up businesses, aspiring to be the best in their chosen professional fields, and giving back to their family and communities.

You have voiced your concern on superannuation policies. Do you have any particular policy change proposals in mind for superannuation and how does that benefit the members?

I warmly welcome the review the Treasurer Joshua Frydenberg has established into retirement incomes in Australia. These issues are so important to the nation’s future. The numbers underline the challenge. As the Treasurer said:

“On the current trajectory, in twenty-five years’ time, there will be 2.7 people of working age for every person aged 65 and over. This compares to 4.5 people in 2014-15 and 7.3 people four decades prior.”

I encourage interested parties to engage with the review.
Tell us about your personal life, your interests and hobbies.

Outside my beautiful wife and two kids, I am passionate about AFL and sporting.

Have you visited India any time? If not do you plans for any such visits?  

It is one of my priorities. India has a rich culture and shares a history of thousands of years.  Throughout my career, I’ve encountered challenges that have inspired me to continue to work on my personal development. India would be amazing to learn and adopt perspectives – especially spiritually.

Any message that you want to convey to Australian Indian Community in Australia.

Thank you the amazing contribution you have made to our country. It’s inspiring to see you proud of your culture, heritage, and family stories – committed to Australia’s future. We are the land of opportunity and I wish you make the most of it. If there is anything I can assist with, please give me the opportunity to listen and advocate where possible. My office is always keen to assist you.