In Australia, with Indians emerging as one of the fastest growing communities in Victoria, the local and state government elections for the first time will see a big

contingent of over 40 Indians entering the poll fray.

According to the Victorian Election Commission website, 41 Indians and some 10 with India lineage are contesting for the local government polls across the state from 77 council seats on October 26th in what is being dubbed as a positive change in Australian elections.

In Victoria, a council is a democratically elected body on a four-year term and are generally regarded as closest to the people. It exercises a wide range of government functions and powers for the peace, order and good government of its municipal district. Each council in Victoria has between 5 and 12 elected councillors. The elected council makes decisions in the interests of their community, plus the administrative organisation that delivers services and ensures that council decisions are implemented.

Very few Indians have been able to secure a council seat with the exception of Tim Lawrence Singh, who was councillor during 1996 and 2008.And although chances are bright for some of the Indians this time, one can never predict until the results are out. For candidates like Rima Das, Anamika, Parameswaran Menon, Gautam Gupta, Sukhdip Singh, Randip Singh, Nirmaljit Singh, Gursharan Mann, Moti Visa, Raj Dudeja, the objective is to secure a council seat and work for the local concerns that benefit both communities – Australian and Indian.