MELBOURNE
Having made history as only the second Goan to win elections in Australia’s Parliament on Saturday, 30-year-old Leon Rebello has achieved another distinction by becoming the youngest member of Liberal National Party (LNP) in parliament.
Speaking to The Goan shortly after his victory, Rebello, who will represent the southern Gold Coast seat of McPherson in Queensland, acknowledged that his Goan roots and values will shape and influence him as a member of parliament.
“I’m fortunate to have had the experience of working for Australia’s former foreign minister Julie Bishop. That role taught me to develop a very strong work ethic and that is something I will take to Canberra as a federal member of McPherson,” said Rebello.
“What I also learnt was how Canberra works, and that means that I can, from day one, go and fight for the interests of people here on the Southern Gold Coast, negotiate and work with my colleagues and make sure that I can be the best advocate that I can possibly be.”
“I understand that I am now the youngest Liberal MP in the House of Representatives. It is exciting but the reality has not sunk in just yet.”
He stated that McPherson has a broad demographic in terms of age, background and experiences.
“I will be their voice in Canberra and will fight for their interest. I can do that because over the last one year, I have been out campaigning, listening to thousands of people and have been able to understand their concerns,” said Rebello.
Commenting on his Goan roots, Rebello said he is very proud to have Goan culture flowing through his veins.
“We (Goans) are a culture that is hard-working, that believes in reward for efforts, that believes in small businesses and enterprise, and believes in the importance of the family unit. And these are also the reasons why I joined the Liberal National Party because we share those values. Those values have formed my childhood, formed my growth as an individual and they will also be a part of my future as a member of parliament,” said Rebello.
Rebello was born in Canberra, while his parents, Valeriano and Liddy, are first generation Australians hailing from Verna.
The other Goan in parliament is Zaneta Mascarenhas, the Labour MP for Swan in Western Australia, who retained her seat.
