Indian-origin Labor MP Zaneta Mascarenhas marked the first sitting day of Australia’s 48th Parliament with a striking symbol of cultural solidarity — wearing a sari featuring an Indigenous artwork.
The MP for Swan chose the garment as a tribute to First Nations culture and a nod to the multicultural makeup of her Western Australian electorate. The sari incorporated Emu Dreaming, a design by Warlpiri artist Lee Nangala Gallagher, sourced from the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation.
“I chose a sari that showcases Indigenous design to mark the occasion.”
Elected in 2022, Mascarenhas made history as the first Goan-origin MP and the first woman to represent Swan since its creation in 1922. Her presence in Parliament reflects a growing shift towards diversity and inclusion.
During the official swearing-in on 22 July, Mascarenhas also received recognition in the Governor-General’s address for her continued advocacy against financial abuse — a lesser-known but insidious form of domestic and family violence.
“Thrilled to see the work from my first term around financial abuse mentioned in the speech today and the reforms that will follow.”
Since her maiden speech, Mascarenhas has campaigned to reform financial systems that enable abuse through coercive control, such as restricting access to money or taking out loans in a partner’s name. In February 2024, she tabled a motion in the Federation Chamber, calling for coordinated action from banks, regulators, advocates and government bodies. The motion praised changes to banking protocols designed to detect and respond to financial abuse.
Mascarenhas has also helped launch a formal parliamentary inquiry into the role of financial institutions in identifying and preventing abuse. The inquiry continues to assess whether current laws offer sufficient protection and what reforms may be necessary.
Born in Kalgoorlie to Indian-origin parents who migrated from Kenya, Mascarenhas grew up in the mining town of Kambalda. She later studied engineering at Curtin University and worked with ASX 200 companies on decarbonisation and emissions reduction — experience she now brings to her roles on the House committees for Climate, Energy, Environment and Water, and for Industry, Science and Resources.
In her first parliamentary speech, Mascarenhas shared her family’s struggles under the White Australia policy and praised the Whitlam government’s reforms that allowed them to make a home in Australia. No doubt, the sari represents Mascarenhas commitment to honouring both her Indian heritage and First Nations culture on a day symbolising renewal in Australian democracy.
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