MELBOURNE
Leon Rebello, an Australian of Goan origin, has been selected by the Liberal National Party (LNP) members from McPherson in Gold Coast, Queensland, to contest the upcoming Federal election in Australia.
A lawyer with experience across a diverse range of industries, including both government and the private sector, 29-year-old Leon Rebello was born in Canberra, while his parents, Valeriano and Liddy, are first generation Australians hailing from Verna in South Goa.
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.
A former LNP cabinet minister held the McPherson seat for the last 14 years and has confirmed she would retire before the next federal elections.
Announcing the decision on social media, the Australian LNP stated “Leon Rebello has the skills to ensure the Southern Gold Coast is well represented in Federal Parliament”.
The LNP mentioned Leon as "a committed local who will provide the energy and enthusiasm" to continue "strong long-term advocacy for the area".
Rebello won the preselection contest against three other candidates. They include Ben Naday (ex-political staffer), David Stevens (ex-advisor to former Australian Prime Minister John Howard) and Adam Fitzgibbons (ex-staffer to former Deputy Australian Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce).
Australian Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton in his post on X stated that Leon will be well placed to build on the current MP's "strong long term advocacy for the southern Gold Coast”.
Talking to the ABC, Rebello said, “what I bring to the table is someone from a different cultural background, who does have that private and public sector experience.”
According to the ABC report, Rebello – who has lived on the Gold Coast for three years and originally hails from Canberra – said he is just the second Queensland candidate preselected to run in the next Federal election.
GOAN IDENTITY
Leon 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.”
Leon 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 Leon.
“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.”
