Hobart, Tasmania
In Tasmania, home to one of the largest multicultural communities in Australia, the Nepali community lately, has been one of its fastest growing components.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Nepali was the second most spoken language in Tasmania after English in 2016. 0.3% percent of the total Tasmanian population spoke Nepali language in 2016 – a data which is expected to grow as more and more Nepalis (individuals and families) opt to migrate to the beautiful state of Tasmania.
As one of the fastest growing communities, Sandesh Pariyar, State Coordinator of the Tasmanian chapter of Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA – TAS) ahead of the May 1st state elections had raised two issues:
Place of Worship:
With the closest Hindu Temple being in Bridgewater, where access to public transport is a major issue, the Hindu community in the Hobart region of Tasmania, which comprises a majority of the population – the need for a common plae of worship was made evident to the government.
NRNA Tasmania’s State Coordinator Mr. Sandesh Pariyar, who is also the Vice President of NRNA Australia, asked the government if they would be willing to look into the matter, and support the NRNA in its efforts to construct a temple.
Housing Issue:
Mr. Pariyar, on behalf of the Nepali community in Tasmania, highlighted a discriminatory practice within the state’s real estate and housing practices. For example, a person with 190 nomination can buy property with normal stamp duty, however a State Sponsor visa 491/489 applicant, who is required to live in Tasmania for up to 4 years is required to pay approximately 7% extra of purchase value because they are put into foreign buyer catergor (FIRB).
“Will you support to abolish such discriminatory practice and put the mental well-being of our community members at ease?”, Mr Pariyar asked the running candidate.
