As many of us are aware, it is a rare sight to see Asian Australians take on leadership roles in politics. On state and territory levels if you go through parliamentary websites, there the rare 1 – 2 (NSW has around 5 – 6) MLAs and MLCs across all parties. But these numbers are still low comparatively to the rapid growth in population of Asian people in Australia.

In saying that, let’s introduce Elizabeth Lee MLA – who has had ( and continues to have ) a colourful and illustrious political career. Lee entered the ACT Legislative Assembly in 2016, representing the electorate of Kurrajong. Before that she was a lawyer and a lecturer – great careers leading into politics for sure.

In a recent interview with Being Asian Australian, Lee spoke about her inner thoughts into the decision she made to enter politics.

“You know, it’s funny because I was never really previously heavily involved in party politics. I joined the Liberal Party in 2010 – a bit later in life- but it was definitely the best decision I have made. I came to Australia with my family as a migrant and growing up, we really didn’t know much about Australian politics. However, my parents always instilled in me the notion of community service and giving back to society, so I would say this is why I decided to get into politics”.

When getting into politics in Australia, you can join as a member to the main and minor political parties or become an independent supporting person/candidate. For Lee, the Liberal Party was for her because the party’s principles aligned with her own values, ethics and principles.

“When I first arrived in Australia with my family, it was Labor in government with Bob Hawke as the prime minister. Not really understanding the nature of politics in Australia at that time, we all started as Labor voters as we were a working class family, and that was the mantra of the Labor Party”.

“When I reached adulthood, I started to think more about where my politics fit, and I thought about and did my research on the all political parties. The Liberal Party really spoke to me and they promoted individual freedom and responsibility. That was the start and the drawing card for me to enter politics”, Lee stated.

What is amazing about Lee’s career is that she holds the mantle for many firsts. On the 27th of October, 2020, Lee was elected as the Leader of the Canberra Liberals and became the Leader of the Opposition of ACT. As of the ACT 2024 election, she is no longer the leader, but remains as the FIRST Asian Australian leader of any state or territory opposition in Australia. Also, if we are not mistaken she is the FIRST if not one of the FIRST Korean background politician to be elected into Australian Parliament ( state, territorial and federal).

“In my previous careers as a lawyer and a lecturer, and especially in the public service, I didn’t see many Asian faces back then. So it almost became a norm that I didn’t see anyone who looked like me. It didn’t surprise me or anything because that was what I expected parliament to look like – white. I think I became more aware of my cultural background when I started to engage more with different multicultural communities in my electorate of Kurrajong and those in and around ACT. Hearing about their lived experiences reminded me of my identity and who I am to myself and to the constituency”, Lee expressed.

“Being the first as a leader of the opposition in any state and territory parliament, I feel a heavy responsibility, but I want to stop hearing this term first, because I have the hope that there will be many, many more Asian Australians being elected and taking on leadership positions in parliament”.

Finally, Lee offered some advice to Asian Australians who are looking to be more involved in politics with the potential aspiration to become a leader of some sort.

“What I would say is to have a long think about why you want to engage in party politics. Only when you have a reason, is when you can stand by your political aspirations and convictions. Being elected and to represent an electorate is a privilege, and I urge those who are thinking of becoming a politician to do it because you want to enact change and do it for the right reasons”.

Where Lee is no longer the Leader for the Opposition in the ACT, she is still the local member (MP) for the electorate of Kurrajong and remains passionate in pushing for more representation and visibility in ACT parliament.