Federal Senator Varun Ghosh has once again made history by taking his oath on the Bhagavad Gita as he was officially sworn in as a Senator for Western Australia in the 48th Parliament.
Sharing the moment on Facebook, Senator Ghosh said,
“Today I was honoured to be sworn in on the Bhagavad Gita as a Senator for Western Australia… I’m excited to represent our great state in Canberra.”
This marks the second time Senator Ghosh has taken his oath on the sacred Hindu text.
In February 2024, he became the first Australian Senator to be sworn in on the Bhagavad Gita, a move that resonated strongly with the multicultural community across the country.
Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong had expressed confidence in his role and impact. She said: “I know Senator Ghosh will be a strong voice for his community and for West Australians. Wonderful to have you on the Labor Senate team.”
“I have often said, when you’re the first at something, you’ve got to make sure you’re not the last.”
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Senator Ghosh, a former barrister at Francis Burt Chambers, has built a career in commercial, administrative, industrial relations, and employment law. He filled the Senate vacancy left by veteran Labor Senator Pat Dodson, who resigned due to health reasons.
Welcoming the newest member of the Labor caucus last year, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Ghosh, stating he would be a “great voice” for Western Australia:
“Welcome Varun Ghosh, our newest Senator from Western Australia. Fantastic to have you on the team,” Albanese posted on X on 5 February.
Born in 1985 to Indian immigrant parents who were both medical professionals, Senator Ghosh joined the Labor Party in Perth at the age of 17. He earned honours degrees in law and arts from the University of Western Australia, where he served as Chair and Secretary of the UWA Guild Council, and later completed a Master of Law at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
The 48th Parliament of Australia has officially commenced, with politicians gathering in Canberra for the first sitting week since the federal election.
Labor’s large majority in the House of Representatives has resulted in some MPs occupying seats traditionally meant for the crossbench. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Sussan Ley attended a service at Wesley Uniting Church. Governor-General Sam Mostyn concluded the day with a reminder of the serious responsibilities ahead, after outlining Labor’s election commitments.
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