Varun Ghosh Becomes First Indian-Origin Australian Senator
Varun Ghosh has etched his name in history as the inaugural Australian Senator of Indian origin, representing Western Australia and affiliated with the Labor Party. This milestone was achieved after his parents relocated from India, prompting Ghosh to join the Labor Party at the age of 17.
A barrister of Indian-Australian descent, Ghosh has not only secured a place in the Australian Senate but also has affiliations with the World Bank. His appointment comes as a replacement for Senator Patrick Dodson, who is retiring due to health reasons, as per the decision made during a joint meeting of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council of Western Australia on February 1.
Ghosh's political journey began in Perth, where he joined the Labor Party at a young age, following his family's move from India in the 1980s. Expressing his gratitude for being selected, Ghosh emphasized the importance of making quality education accessible to all.
“I have had the privilege of a good education and believe strongly that high-quality education and training should be available to everyone,” remarked Varun Ghosh in a statement.
His passion for education aligns with his active involvement in public service over the years. Born in 1985, Ghosh moved to Perth in 1997, attending Christ Church Grammar School. He pursued degrees in Arts and Law at the University of Western Australia, later earning recognition as a Commonwealth Scholar in Law at the University of Cambridge.
Before entering politics, Ghosh worked as a finance attorney in New York and served as a consultant for the World Bank in Washington, DC. His return to Australia in 2015 marked a shift to his role as a barrister, addressing legal matters in Western Australia and internationally, particularly in association with King & Wood Mallesons.
Matt Keogh, the Minister for Veterans Affairs, expressed excitement about collaborating with Varun within the Labor Party's Senate team in Canberra. Despite an unsuccessful bid in the 2019 federal election, Ghosh's ascent to a pivotal role in the Australian Senate reflects a remarkable journey from early political engagement to a prominent position, contributing to the evolving diversity of Australian politics.
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