Sri Lankan-born Cassandra Fernando re-elected to Australian Parliament

Sri Lankan-born Cassandra Fernando has been re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Holt, Victoria, representing the Australian Labor Party in a historic victory for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s government. The Labor Party secured a surprise second term, gaining an unexpected majority with at least 84 seats.

Fernando, who has held the seat since 2022, is celebrated as a passionate advocate for working Australians. Before entering politics, she championed the rights of retail and fast-food industry workers, striving to improve their pay and conditions, especially during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond her union work, Fernando has dedicated her time to helping migrants and refugees from non-English speaking backgrounds by tutoring them and helping them adjust to life in Australia.

“My parents taught me to always be grateful and give back to the community and the country that gave us so much,” Fernando said in a statement following her re-election. “I chose to represent Holt because I believe a Labor government is the only path to a future where families like mine are never left behind.”

Her victory marks another step forward in Australia’s growing diversity in Parliament, reinforcing the Albanese government's commitment to inclusivity and grassroots representation.