Dear readers of Desi Australia,
My name is Ganesh Loke—an entrepreneur, filmmaker, writer, director, educator, and social activist based in Western Sydney. I am proud to announce that I’m contesting the 2025 Federal Election from the electorate of Parramatta—for the third time. It is truly an honour to stand once again for a community I’ve lived in, worked for, and deeply believe in.
I believe it’s time for fair representation of the South Asian community in the Australian Federal Parliament. Despite our growing presence, we have yet to see our voices meaningfully represented in Canberra. This election, we have a real chance to change that—by voting for someone who understands our values, struggles, and aspirations.
Why I’m Running for Parliament
For over 20 years, I’ve been actively involved in social work across Sydney’s southwest, supporting individuals and families with employment, housing, and mental health support. I previously contested the federal elections in 2013 and 2019, driven by the belief that politics should be about service—not power.
As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I’ve always believed that real change begins with people. Over the years, I’ve witnessed how government decisions in Canberra directly affect us—from healthcare access and education to housing and the rising cost of living. I no longer want to only speak about these issues—I want to be in the room where decisions are made, bringing your voices and stories with me.
What truly motivated me to run again was hearing from people in Parramatta who felt ignored, unheard, and left behind—especially with rising prices, job insecurity, and a housing crisis. I want to bring real, people-first leadership to Parliament.
The Pressing Issues in Our Community
There are three major concerns I keep hearing from people in Parramatta:
- Cost of Living & Housing Affordability
Families are being stretched to their limits with rising rents and property prices. We need real investment in affordable housing—not just for buyers, but for renters, single parents, students, and essential workers. I support mixed housing developments and stronger protections for tenants. - Public Transport & Infrastructure
Parramatta is growing, but infrastructure isn’t keeping pace. I will push for increased federal funding for Metro West, light rail projects, and improved local roads. We need reliable, accessible, and safe transport for working families and students alike. - Access to Healthcare & Community Services
We need more frontline healthcare workers, shorter wait times at local hospitals like Westmead, and better access to mental health services, particularly for young people and multicultural communities. Strengthening Medicare and supporting community clinics is essential.
Rebuilding Trust in Politics
Yes, many people today are disillusioned with politicians—and rightly so. Too often, they seem out of touch with real people and real problems. That’s why I promise to be different.
My background in social work, employment support, and motivational seminars gives me a unique connection to the people. I believe in empowering individuals, not just growing government systems. My focus will be on:
- Equitable access to education and training
- Mental health and youth support
- Programs that build resilience and hope
If elected, I will remain personally accessible to my constituents—not just through emails or offices, but through direct visits to those in need. No federal MP currently does this. They show up during election time and disappear afterwards. I want to change that.
I also propose setting up a ‘Parramatta Fund’—a local support initiative at the federal level that provides urgent help to struggling families, ensuring no one goes hungry or homeless in our community.
My Guiding Principles
I draw inspiration from leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Barack Obama—people who stood for equality, compassion, and justice.
The values that guide me are:
- Equity and opportunity for all
- Fairness and social justice
- Compassion, integrity, and accountability
Who Am I Outside of Politics?
I moved to Australia from Mumbai in 1999 to pursue an IT degree in Sydney. Since then, I’ve worked in multiple fields: IT, education, filmmaking, real estate, and community work. I founded Indo Aus Entertainment and The Ultimate Success Consultancy, and have produced patriotic Bollywood films and music albums focused on social issues.
I’ve been recognised as a finalist in the Australia Day Awards and Citizen of the Year Awards by Parramatta and Cumberland Councils for my social impact.
In 2018, a novel titled “The Pursuit of Dreams” was published about my life journey, written by Australian author Dominique Mayfair. It’s available globally, and I hope it inspires others to pursue their dreams against all odds.
You can connect with me online:
Final Words
This election is not just about who represents Parramatta—it’s about how they represent it. I want to be the bridge between our community and the decisions made in Parliament. I want to make politics about people again.
I ask for your trust, your support, and your vote this election—so we can build a better, fairer, and more inclusive Australia together.
Yours sincerely,
Ganesh Loke
Federal Election Candidate for Parramatta
Entrepreneur | Filmmaker | Social Activist
