As NSW prepares to vote on 13 March, the election contest is taking shape across electorates home to vibrant South Asian communities.
From Parramatta and Blacktown to the Hills and Sydney’s growing south-west, communities are preparing for a state election that will determine who represents them in the next NSW Parliament.
The NSW election is scheduled for Saturday, 13 March 2027, with voters electing representatives across 93 lower-house electorates and filling 21 upper-house seats. While candidate announcements are gathering pace, the final ballot lists will be announced on 25 February 2027.
For South Asian readers, the developing contests offer an opportunity to get to know both familiar representatives and new candidates seeking their support.
Parramatta, Prospect and Riverstone take shape
In Parramatta, Liberal candidate Sreeni Pillamarri, a City of Parramatta councillor and technology business leader, has been selected to challenge a seat currently held by Labor’s Donna Davis. The Greens have named Liz Tilly, while Andrew McLachlan is listed for Family First.
Neighbouring Prospect will see a change in representation following Labor MP Hugh McDermott’s decision not to contest the election. Labor has selected Liz Scully, founder of Parramatta Women’s Shelter, while the Liberals have endorsed Kalvin Biag. Sujan Selven is listed for the Greens and Pieter Swan for Family First.
In Riverstone, Liberal candidate Mohit Kumar, a police prosecutor and Blacktown councillor, is campaigning in the electorate currently represented by Labor’s Warren Kirby. Kumar is also a former president of the Council of Indian Australians.
These electorates have substantial connections to South Asian communities. In the 2021 Census, Indian ancestry was reported by 19.8 per cent of residents in the Riverstone state electorate and 10.8 per cent in Prospect. These historical Census figures describe residents, rather than eligible voters, and do not capture the full diversity of South Asian backgrounds.
New faces across Western Sydney and the Hills
Winston Hills will feature new faces following Liberal MP Mark Taylor’s retirement announcement. On 5 November, Premier Chris Minns announced he had asked Pat Gooley, former NSW Police Inspector and current Secretary of the Police Association of NSW, to nominate as Labor’s candidate. A qualified solicitor with 23 years of police service, Gooley said his priorities included community safety and essential services. The announcement also highlighted government support for upgrades to Glenwood Gurdwara, of particular interest to local Sikh residents. The Liberals have endorsed Georgina Valjak, while the Greens have named Palaniappan Subramanian.
In Kellyville, Liberal MP Ray Williams has announced he will not contest the election. Ben Speechly is listed as the Greens candidate, while Aidan Tobin will represent the Greens in neighbouring Castle Hill.
In Blacktown, currently held by Labor’s Stephen Bali, the Greens have announced Dalys Jacobsen. Meanwhile, Granville, represented by Labor’s Julia Finn, has attracted announced candidates Sal El-Kheir, standing as an independent, and Alma Torlakovic for NSW Socialists.
Sydney’s south-west enters the contest
Several announcements have also emerged across south-western Sydney.
In Liverpool, currently represented by Labor’s Charishma Kaliyanda, the Greens have named Avery Howard. In Leppington, held by Labor’s Nathan Hagarty, Danica Sajn has been announced as Sustainable Australia Party’s candidate.
In Holsworthy, Liberal MP Tina Ayyad has confirmed she will seek re-election, while Liverpool councillor Peter Ristevski has been endorsed by Family First.
Further south, Jayden Rivera will stand for the Greens in Campbelltown, alongside Family First candidate Lisa Kiss, in the seat currently held by Labor’s Greg Warren. Family First has also listed Jeremy Antcliffe for Camden, represented by Labor’s Sally Quinnell.
A broader South Asian picture
Community election coverage also extends beyond Western Sydney.
In Auburn, currently represented by Labor’s Lynda Voltz, announced candidates include Hunter Thomson for the Greens and Jasmine Al-Rawi for NSW Socialists. The Greens have also named Dushy De Silva in Rockdale, Yomna Touni in Kogarah and Conroy Blood in Canterbury.
Rockdale is particularly relevant to Nepali community coverage: 15.8 per cent of Rockdale suburb’s residents were born in Nepal, according to the 2021 Census. That figure relates to the suburb, rather than the entire state electorate.
As further candidates are announced, readers can use the months ahead to learn about their local contests, compare proposals and ask how candidates intend to serve their communities.
Editor’s note: Candidate information is current as at 5 November 2026 and is not an exhaustive list. Sitting MPs named in this article should not be treated as confirmed 2027 candidates unless explicitly stated. Official nominations close on 24 February 2027, with the final candidates announced the following day.
