Bisma Asif, a 28-year-old Muslim woman from Lahore, made history last Saturday by becoming Queensland’s first Muslim member of parliament.

Representing the Labor party, she ran in Sandgate, Brisbane’s northern bayside suburb, where her fluency in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and English helped her connect with voters from diverse backgrounds, The Guardian reported.

“Being able to speak to some of the voters in their own language – I definitely saw a shift in how they reacted,” Asif says. She believes her presence as a young, brown, overseas-born candidate resonated with families of recent immigrants, who saw hope for a better future in her story.

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Asif’s journey reflects the classic immigrant narrative of overcoming hardships. Arriving in Australia at eight, she initially struggled with English, yet worked hard to integrate.

“I remember being very confused,” she recalls of those early days, helping her younger sister adjust while also adapting herself.

Her struggles didn’t end with language. As an economics undergraduate at the University of Queensland, Asif balanced three jobs – in a kebab shop, a pizza place, and a call center – to support her family, enduring wage theft and a period of illness.

Diagnosed with ovarian cysts, she had firsthand experience with Medicare, which inspired her involvement in the Labor party and union activism.

Asif’s political path began in 2016 when she campaigned for former Treasurer Wayne Swan and later served as a policy adviser to Minister Anika Wells.

She’s a member of Labor’s factional right, affiliated with the Australian Workers’ Union and Transport Workers’ Union. Recently married, Asif and her husband settled in Sandgate, drawn to its vibrant young community.

“We are incredibly representative of parts of Sandgate where there are a lot of young families moving in,” she says, adding that her primary motivation in politics is to create positive change, regardless of faith.

Muslim Identity

On her Muslim identity, Asif describes it as a personal relationship. “I would describe myself as Muslim. My religion is important to me, but ultimately, it is a relationship that I have with myself.”

Her election inspires others from migrant backgrounds, particularly young women. She recalls voters telling her that her candidacy allowed their daughters to envision themselves in politics.

“I think that has immense power,” she says.

“I am also really excited to see what this will mean to other people, who have very similar stories, migrant stories, as myself.”

For Asif, her success is a blend of the “spectacular and ordinary.” She sees her achievement as a reflection of “modern Australia” – a nation shaped by diverse backgrounds, shared struggles, and dreams for a better future.