Staff Reporter
Panaji
The recently declared results of the Australian federal elections have marked a proud moment for Goans as two persons of Goan origin have been elected as MPs.
Thirty-year old Leon Rebello, a lawyer by profession, became the youngest Liberal National party MP in the Australian parliament representing the southern Gold Coast seat of McPherson. The other is Zaneta Mascarenhas of the Labour party who has retained her seat from Swan in Western Australia. Leon’s parents are first-generation Australians hailing from Verna in Salcete. Speaking to a news channel, Leon said he was proud of his Goan heritage. “I have Goan culture flowing through my veins”. He said the Goan culture and identity through his parents, has helped him shape his values. Stating that Goan culture is complementary with Australia’s, Leon said that Goans are hardworking and value the importance of a family unit.
He has experience both in the private and public sector. The young MP has worked with Australia’s former foreign minister where he learnt a strong work culture.
Leon also thanked the election campaign committee of his party for his victory. He said he met thousands of people in the runup to the parliamentary elections and tried to understand their concerns. He said he would represent their interest and concerns to the best of his ability.
Mascarenhas has been re-elected with a popular vote to represent Swan constituency in the House of Representatives. Forty-four year old Mascarenhas is an engineer. In her first term, she has served on parliamentary committees on climate change, environment, industry and nuclear energy.
