THE granddaughter of a former Fiji parliamentarian and National Federation Party (NFP) member, Ram Jati Singh, was elected into the Australian Senate last week.
This is the second time Labor Party member Lisa Singh, 44, will enter the Australian Senate as a representative of Tasmania.
Her uncle, NFP member Raman Pratap Singh, said they were proud of the re-elected Senator’s achievements.
“We have a very rich history in politics and it’s always a proud moment for us when one of our family members follow in that footstep,” he said.
“She is my elder brother’s daughter and we are very proud of what she has achieved in Australia.”
On twitter, Mrs Singh said her win was “historic”.
“Deeply honoured by this historic result that’s returned me to the Australian Senate. Thank you Tasmanians, this is your win,” she tweeted.
According to the Australian Financial Review, Senator Singh was placed in sixth position by the Tasmanian Labor Party.
Despite losing union and party state executive support, a number of Labor members ran a “re-elect Lisa” campaign, urging supporters to vote for her “below-the-line” and bypassing party processes.
She eventually won 20,074 below-the-line votes while ticket leader Anne Urquhart won 4465.
NFP leader Dr Biman Prasad congratulated Mrs Singh on her historical win.
“Your re-election over the preferred Australian Labor Party candidate despite the fact that you were ranked 6th in preferences shows the impossible is possible,” he said in a letter to the Senator.
“The fact that you received 20,000 below-the-line votes is testimony to the faith and trust the voters of Tasmania have in you and your ability as their representative.
“You obviously ran a campaign based on honesty, integrity and a solid platform for reforms and change to fundamental and basic services such as health, education, creating employment as well as addressing climate change.
“Your memorable victory speaks volumes about your fortitude, strength and honesty. You made history when you were first elected into the Federal Senate as the first Senator or MP of Indo-Fijian descent in Australia’s Parliament.”
He said they were proud that Mrs Singh came from a pedigree of politicians who served with NFP and the nation.
