Dr Muhammad Shahbaz is the Labor party candidate for the seat of Rowville and will be contesting in the upcoming Victorian State Elections on 24th November 2018.
Currently working in the Emergency Department at one of the metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne, Dr Shahbaz came to Australia more than a decade ago with the aim of getting quality medical education and professional experience.
Since then he and his family have become a part of Australian society, which Dr Shahbaz calls an “amazing experience.”
“As a migrant, Australia has given me so much that I can’t even imagine. This is the time for me to give back to this country,” he told SBS Urdu.
“Who can believe that someone who came to Australia thirteen years ago, is now contesting Elections. Only Australia can provide such an opportunity.”
"I love Australia as it has given me an opportunity to represent it. I appreciate Australia, the community and the government."
Standing for Rowville seat
Rowville is a suburb in Melbourne located 27 kilometres south-east of the city's CBD. According to the 2016 census, it has a population of 33,672.
Dr Shahbaz says there are currently several areas which require improvement including transport, education, skills and policing.
“During the Liberal government, several grants were cut but now it's being worked upon by the current government.
"Regarding education, work needs to be done for new schools and classrooms along with new aged care facilities.
"In the health sector, there is also a need to increase hospitals capacity in the constituency.”
Dr Shahbaz added that his experience of working with the migrant population in Rowville, will help in winning the election.
“There are a lot of migrants living in Rowville and Labor follows a policy which of ‘multiculturalism’.
The population of Rowville includes Indians, Bhutanese, Arabs, Nepalis, Afghanis, Italians and people from various backgrounds.
"I have been working for these communities for a long time, so I understand their issues and problems," he said.
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Experience with the locals
According to Dr Shahbaz, being an active member of local associations have helped him gain valuable insights about the major concerns of the Rowville residents.
“Before coming to Australia, I lived in the Gulf countries. I was part of several community efforts there. I worked with the Pakistan Australian Association of Melbourne as the President of the association and worked with many people across Australia.
"The opportunity helped me meet and listen to the problems of the local residents.
"After PAAM, I worked with South Asian Public Affairs Council (SAPAC), where I worked on the issues of people from several countries including India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.”
With the Labour party:
Three years ago, Dr Shahbaz joined the Labor party.
Dr Shahbaz told SBS Urdu that he wanted to work on a bigger platform and work for the Australian community “at-large”.
“After working with other members of society, I decided that instead of working for a few sections of the people, why not work for everyone, as this is my home now.”
I find myself comfortable with the Labor party as I believe Labor is about ‘multiculturalism’. They have better policies for the immigrants than the Liberal party.
It focuses on every section of the society and takes care of the working class.”
A win against Liberal candidate Kim Wells?
Liberal candidate Kim Wells is the current representative for the Rowville electorate in the Victorian Parliament. He was the Victorian Treasurer in the Coalition government in 2010 and was the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and the Minister for Bushfire Response in 2013 and 2014.
He will be standing again for the Rowville seat in the upcoming elections.
Dr Shahbaz says that although Kim Wells is a long-standing member of this constituency, this time it is different.
“People want a change, new thinking, and a new person.”
Looking ahead?
“I will be meeting the constituents door-to-door and telling them about how the major issues can be dealt with.
“We have to work in the areas of health, skill development, transport and education.
“We will bring change to the area.” Dr Shahbaz told SBS Urdu.
Candidates contesting for the Rowville seat include Dr Muhammad Shahbaz (Labour party), Kim Wells (Liberal party), Natasha Sharma (Greens party), and Joe Cossari (Independent).
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