Harmohan Singh Walia, popularly known as Harry Walia is a well-known face in Indian community of New South Wales. He arrived in Australia in 1991 and joined Labor Pary five years later. Since then, he has been a loyal party and community member.
He is happy that his services and hard have been recognised. “I am very happy. I have worked hard for the Labor cause and it feels good to be recognised at this level,” says Walia who is a founding member of Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin.
McKell award is a prestigious award by Labor Party. Some Indians have received it before Walia too but he believes that influence of Indian community is more than ever now in Australian politics.
“When I started, Indians were very less in numbers. Now it is a different ball game. Community has more voters who can make an impact in elections. So the parties are more aware of us.”
Walia stood as a candidate at the 2004 Local Government Elections and then at the 2004 Federal Election. He says Indians can win elections at federal level if given a winnable seat and proper support.
“This award indicates that Indian community is ready to take the centre stage in Australian politics,” says Harmohan Walia.
