Leon Rebello while delivering his maiden speech in the House of Representatives in the Australian Parliament on July 30.
MELBOURNE
Newly elected Member for McPherson-Queensland of Goan origin Leon Rebello paid tributes to his parents as he delivered his maiden speech in the House of Representatives in the Australian Parliament on July 30, marking a significant personal and political milestone.
In a heartfelt address, Rebello (30) reflected on his journey from humble beginnings as a parliamentary attendant to becoming a federal MP — a journey he described as a testament to Australia's character and opportunity.
“Not long ago, I sat in this chamber not as a participant in debate, but as a parliamentary attendant — a silent observer to the great conversations that shape our nation,” Rebello said.
“Today, I rise with gratitude to my community, with reverence for this institution and our great democracy, and with a commitment to serve with integrity, energy and purpose.”
Rebello used the speech to pay tribute to his upbringing, crediting his working-class parents for instilling in him the values of hard work, personal responsibility, and self-determination.
“My father is a tradie — an electrician and refrigeration mechanic. My mother, a dedicated public servant, is still working in the service of her country. To get ahead, they worked second jobs, invested in property and small business, and never questioned their obligation to stand on their own two feet,” he said.
Describing his childhood as the “traditional middle-class Australian story”, Rebello said his family’s optimism was born not of wealth, but of belief in effort and earning rewards through hard work.
As the son of migrants, he expressed a deep appreciation for the opportunities Australia afforded his family.
“My parents never let a day pass without reminding me to hold a deep and profound gratitude for all that Australia made possible,” he said.
“I stand in this place because of their quiet patriotism and because they raised me to believe in Australia, in her promise, and that service in her name is a tremendous calling.”
Rebello also used the speech to affirm his political convictions and articulate his reasons for joining the Liberal Party — a party he said reflects his core beliefs in limited government, individual liberty, and economic opportunity.
“I joined the Liberal Party because I was taught to believe in personal responsibility — that if you drop something, you pick it up, and if you want something, you work for it,” he said.
“And yes, I may not be a stereotypical Liberal, but I am a Liberal — proudly, unapologetically.”
He emphasised the importance of trusting Australians to make their own decisions, advocating for government to be a force that empowers rather than controls.
“I believe in limited government not out of a desire for less, but because I believe Australians are capable of far more,” he said.
“I believe in giving Australians a stake in the economy through free enterprise and home ownership — more important than giving them a stake in the government.”
In closing, Rebello expressed his gratitude to the people of McPherson and his determination to represent them with dedication and purpose.
“I will always come to this place as a place of service — to the people of McPherson, to my state of Queensland, and to my country,” he said.
GOAN IDENTITY
Rebello was born in Canberra, while his parents, Valeriano and Liddy, are first generation Australians hailing from Verna in South Goa.
Leon Rebello along with his parents, Valeriano and Liddy.
Leon’s father was a faculty head at the Indian Technical Institute in Sada-Mormugao and also an electrical contractor, while his mother Liddy worked in the private sector in India and is currently a public servant in Australia.
In an earlier report in The Goan, Rebello said he has been closely connected with his Goan roots.
“Both my parents are originally from Goa and I still have family living there. Although I was born in Australia, my parents have maintained connection to my Goan roots and I have travelled to Goa, and India more broadly, on numerous occasions over the years,” said Leon.
“Australia has a thriving Goan community, including in my home state of Queensland, and I have a number of Goan friends across the country.”
Rebello also admitted that his Goan identity influenced and shaped him.
“An incredible Portuguese-Indian blend, the Goan identity has, through my parents, helped shape my values and convictions. I see Goan culture as entirely complementary with Australian culture,” said Rebello.
“We are hardworking and believe in reward for effort. We value the importance of the family unit and we are business minded (in particular, small and family business). I've said in the past that I have won two lotteries in life - the first to be born in Australia, and the second to be born to my parents. I am very proud of my Goan heritage, and my parents represent the culmination of Goan work ethic and Australian aspiration.”
