Parwinder Kaur meets Gurmesh Singh MP, celebrating two historic firsts for Sikh Australians

Parwinder Kaur, Australia's first woman parliamentarian of Sikh heritage, recently met Gurmesh Singh MP, Leader of the NSW Nationals and Member for Coffs Harbour, for the first time. The meeting brought together two leaders who have made history through their representation of the Sikh community in Australian parliaments.

Gurmesh Singh made history in 2019 when he became Australia's first parliamentarian of Sikh heritage. In 2025, Parwinder Kaur created another milestone by becoming the first woman parliamentarian of Sikh heritage in Australia. She was elected to the Western Australian Parliament as a Member of the Legislative Council, representing the Labor Party.

Kaur shared the special moment on social media, highlighting the importance of their meeting and the shared values that connect them despite their different political backgrounds and state representation.

Although Singh represents New South Wales and belongs to the Nationals, while Kaur represents Western Australia and the Labor Party, both share a commitment to public service, community development and Australia's multicultural society.

The meeting also highlighted the Sikh principle of Sarbat Da Bhala, which means the wellbeing and prosperity of all. Kaur emphasised that serving the community goes beyond political differences and that leadership should focus on the greater good of society.

Before entering politics, Kaur worked as a biotechnologist and was the director of DNA Zoo Australia. She also served as an associate professor at the University of Western Australia, where her research focused on using genomic science to support wildlife conservation. In 2023, she was inducted into the WA Women's Hall of Fame on International Women's Day.

The meeting represents an important moment for Australia's Sikh community and reflects the growing contribution of people from diverse cultural backgrounds to public life.

With two historic achievements, two states and two different political parties, Kaur and Singh share a common message: diversity is an important part of Australian democracy, and every community should have the opportunity to contribute to the nation's future.