As Australia continues to thrive on the diversity and contributions of its migrant population, statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shed light on the significant economic impact of Indian migrants.
In a fiscal landscape marked by dynamism and growth, Indian migrants have emerged as pivotal contributors, ranking among the top migrant taxpayers in the nation.
According to ABS data, out of the $112.3 billion income generated by migrant taxpayers, Indian migrants played a substantial role, accounting for a staggering $18 billion in the fiscal year 2016-17.
This places them in a formidable position, closely trailing behind migrants from the United Kingdom, who generated $21 billion during the same period.
What’s even more remarkable is the exponential growth trajectory showcased by Indian taxpayers, with their contribution skyrocketing from $7.9 billion in 2011-12 to $18 billion in 2016-17.
These figures not only highlight the economic prowess of the Indian diaspora but also reflect a narrative of resilience, determination, and success.
As of June 2022, Australia welcomed a thriving Indian-born community, with their numbers soaring to 753,520—a remarkable leap from the 355,380 recorded a decade earlier in 2012.
This surge positions the Indian-born population as Australia’s second-largest migrant community, following closely behind the United Kingdom.
Representing a significant portion, they constitute 9.8% of Australia’s overseas-born population and contribute to 2.9% of the nation’s total populace, highlighting their substantial presence and influence within the Australian multicultural landscape.
Back Cover News unveils an exclusive exploration into the realm of influence and power within the Indian-Australian community. Through meticulous investigation and insightful analysis, we bring to light the most formidable and influential figures shaping the intersection of Indian and Australian cultures.
Taj Pabari
Taj Pabari, the co-founder of the ASE Group, a community-focused business established in 2020 with a primary school classmate, is driven by a vision to bridge the gap between traditional education and industry.
Expressing the crucial need for education in life skills, Pabari told BACKCOVERNEWS.COM, “We have got this huge disconnect between traditional education and industry, and we just want to bridge that a little.”
This sentiment highlights his commitment to addressing practical aspects often overlooked in standard curricula.
Pabari’s entrepreneurial journey began at the tender age of nine when he launched a tech blog targetting peers, which swiftly garnered a daily viewership of 40,000 within a year.
Reflecting on his motivation, he said, “Everything that I’ve done has been to solve problems that I’ve experienced firsthand.”
Upon graduating from high school, Pabari dedicated himself full-time to ASE Group. His relentless pursuit of innovation and problem-solving has led to collaborations with the government, benefiting over 180,000 Australians through various programs.
Pabari’s exceptional accomplishments include being named The Australian Young Innovator of the Year in 2014 and earning the title of Young Australian of the Year for Queensland in 2017.
These accolades mark him as the youngest recipient since the award’s inception in 1979, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in the realms of education and entrepreneurship.
VC Sehgal
Vivek Chaand Sehgal, featured among the wealthiest Indians in Australia by Forbes in 2023 with a net worth of $4 billion, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey co-founding a silver trading enterprise in 1975.
Presently, he chairs the $12.7 billion Motherson Group, renowned for its flagship Samvardhana Motherson International, a pivotal supplier for esteemed clients such as BMW, Ford, Mercedes, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
Sehgal’s strategic moves, including the separation of the Indian wiring harness business and its subsequent listing on the Indian stock market as Motherson Sumi Wiring India in March 2022, underscore his business acumen and vision.
Daniel Mookhey
Daniel Mookhey, a Labor member of the New South Wales Legislative Council and the current Treasurer of New South Wales, boasts a rich heritage stemming from his Indian migrant parents hailing from Punjab.
Noteworthy among his achievements is being the first MP sworn into an Australian Parliament on the Hindu religious text, The Bhagavad Gita.
With a background in senior roles within the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Mookhey brings a wealth of experience to the Parliament of NSW, exemplifying the impact of his familial lineage, notably with his second cousin Yukta Mookhey, the winner of the Miss World 1999 pageant.
Tarun Gupta
Tarun Gupta, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Stockland, Australia’s largest listed residential developer, embodies the spirit of success through resilience.
Gupta’s journey, from seeking refuge in Delhi post the India-Pakistan partition to assuming leadership roles in prominent residential companies, culminates in his current role.
With a 25-year tenure in the industry, Gupta’s strategic insights and leadership propel Stockland towards continued growth and innovation, anchoring his family in Sydney, Australia.
Rajesh Kumar
The ascent of real estate mogul Rajesh Kumar from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success illuminates the indomitable spirit and visionary outlook of this Melbourne-based migrant.
With astute investments, Kumar has navigated the labyrinth of the real estate market, showcasing a remarkable acumen for identifying lucrative opportunities and executing prudent decisions.
His journey, intertwined with that of his wife Aarahi, underscores a narrative of resilience, determination, and strategic foresight.
Arriving in Australia with a mere $800, Kumar’s transformative journey culminates in his status as a multi-millionaire, a testament to his shrewd investment strategies and unwavering dedication.
Through judicious ventures across New South Wales, Kumar has not only secured his financial future but also carved a legacy of success, embodying the essence of the Australian dream.
Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM
Mitu Bhowmick Lange, a luminary in the Indian film industry, transcends borders with her impactful contributions to Australian cinema.
As the founding director of Mind Blowing Films and director of Mind Blowing World, Lange’s indelible mark was established with her pivotal role in the production of the Bollywood blockbuster ‘Salam Namaste,’ shot in Victoria.
Her accolades include the prestigious Jill Robb Award from Film Victoria and the distinction of being the first Indian appointed to the Board of Film Victoria.
Maria Thattil
Maria Thattil’s coronation as Miss Universe Australia 2020 signifies her ascendancy as a multifaceted personality, from a TedX speaker to a published author.
Her advocacy for inclusivity and identity complexities resonates through her debut book ‘Unbounded,’ while her presence as a guest judge on Ru Paul’s Drag Race Down Under further amplifies her influence.
Thattil’s accolades, including The Voice of Now Award in the 2023 Marie Claire Women of The Year Awards, cement her status as a trailblazer.
Veena Sahajwalla
Veena Sahajwalla, renowned as the inventor of green steel, epitomises innovation and sustainability in materials science.
As a Professor at UNSW Australia, Sahajwalla’s groundbreaking research redefines the understanding of carbon-bearing materials.
Her role as the Director of the UNSW SM@RT Centre for Sustainable Materials Research and Technology and council member on the Australian Climate Council underscores her commitment to driving environmental change and fostering sustainable practices.
Harinder Sandhu
Harinder Kaur Sidhu, an Australian diplomat serving as the High Commissioner of Australia to New Zealand, exemplifies excellence in public administration and foreign affairs.
Born to Punjabi parents, Sidhu’s journey from migration to academic achievement, including a bachelor’s degree in economics and an LLB from the University of Sydney, embodies the Australian spirit of multiculturalism and opportunity.
Ravneet Pahwa
Ravneet Pawha, Deputy Vice President of Global Engagement at Deakin University and presiding over Australia India Business Council (AIBC), Victoria, signifies the convergence of academic leadership and community engagement.
Pawha’s pivotal role in establishing Deakin University’s presence in India, alongside her recognition as the Business Leader of the Year at the India Australia Business and Community Awards, underscores her dynamic contribution to international education and bilateral relations.
