Voices from SBS Election Exchange in Calwell. What matters most this election?

SBS Election Exchange visited Broadmeadows Central in Melbourne’s north to hear directly from voters and candidates in the diverse electorate of Calwell. More than 50% of residents of Calwell were born outside Australia, making it one of the country’s most multicultural electorates.

Local Punjabi-speaking voters voiced their top concerns, including rising interest rates, cost-of-living pressures, and calls for more compassionate parent visa policies. Credit: SBS Punjabi

Home to major Victorian suburbs including Craigieburn, Mickleham, Kalkallo, Broadmeadows, and Greenvale - Calwell is one of Australia’s most multicultural electorates.

The top concerns for local Punjabi-speaking voters included rising interest rates, cost-of-living pressures, and calls for more compassionate parent visa policies.

Local Punjabi-speaking voters voiced their top concerns, including rising interest rates, cost-of-living pressures, and calls for more compassionate parent visa policies.

Neeraj Jasrai, a representative from the Australian Electoral Commission, also joined the conversation and offered essential information about the voting process.

Through Election Exchange, SBS is amplifying real community voices of everyday Australians, aiming to break down political issues for multicultural communities, ahead of the May 03 vote.

Find all our podcasts and stories that matter here at SBS Punjabi Podcast Collection.

For news, information, and interviews in Punjabi from Australia and the homeland, tune into SBS Punjabi live, Monday to Friday at 4 pm, on SBS South Asian, digital radio (channel 305 on your television) or via the SBS Audio app. You can also stream directly from our website.

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