True or False: Indian-Australians may hold the Keys to Australia’s Future Economy

Australia’s economic future is inseparable from the story of its Indian diaspora. Today, Indian Australians are the second-largest overseas-born group, with more than 721,000 residents as of 2020. They are younger, more educated, and more entrepreneurial than the national average, earning higher household incomes and driving innovation across industries. The question is no longer whether Indian Australians are contributing—but whether they will become the most decisive force in shaping Australia’s economic trajectory.

Growing Economic Power with Tangible Footprints

Indian Australians are not only thriving but also giving back. By 2016–17, Indian-born residents contributed 16% of all migrant tax revenue, making them the second-highest tax-paying migrant group after those born in the UK. Their presence is most visible in New South Wales and Victoria, but communities are rapidly growing in Queensland, Western Australia, and the ACT. The diaspora is also highly represented in sectors with skills shortages—ICT, health, engineering, and education—helping Australia address critical gaps while boosting competitiveness.

Real Leaders Driving Australian Business

Indian Australians are genuinely steering some of Australia’s most influential companies:

• Tarun Gupta, CEO of Stockland, Australia’s largest diversified property group, embarked on a journey from student and kitchen hand to corporate leader, embodying resilience and local commitment.
• Vivek Bhatia, COO of Link Group, exemplifies the migration story with his progression from call centre roles to senior management.
• Vik Bansal, former CEO of Cleanaway and currently leading Bingo Industries, highlights the impact Indian Australians have on transforming Australia’s industrial landscape.
• Aamir Qutub, founder of Enterprise Monkey, demonstrates entrepreneurial leadership in technology with a successful digital solutions firm spanning four countries.
• Dr Tanya Unni, co-founder of Amtan Medical, blends medical expertise and entrepreneurship through an expanding health clinic network on the Gold Coast.
• Nilesh Makwana, CEO of Illumination Australia, is nationally recognised for delivering social-impact IT solutions, especially in disability inclusion.
• Samdeep Bhargava, CFO at Mildura Airport and former PwC senior manager, highlights Indian diaspora leadership in regional Australia.
• Sheba Nandkeolyar, marketing strategist and former National Chair of the Australia India Business Council, has been instrumental in bilateral trade advocacy.

These individuals live and work in Australia, contributing directly to its economy and communities.

Entrepreneurial Energy and Innovation

Entrepreneurship among Indian Australians is surging notably, even amid a decline in overall business ownership nationally. Entrepreneurs like Uppma Virdi, founder of Chai Walli, have transformed traditional Indian chai into global artisan brands recognised on Forbes 30 Under 30. Kailash Talwar’s Shree Ganesha Foods successfully supplied ethnic products to mainstream retailers like Woolworths, and Amit Tuteja has created thriving restaurant and retail ventures with diaspora-focused marketing. These ventures generate jobs and diversify Australia’s food and retail sectors with multicultural flavours.

Academia, Research and Knowledge Economy

Indian Australians represent around 1.9% of all university lecturers and academics, a number steadily growing. Through initiatives such as ARCH-India, diaspora academics link Australian and Indian institutions in joint research, developing Australia’s global reputation in science and innovation.

Community Networks Driving Economic Impact

Organisations like the Australia India Business Council, India Australia Business & Community Alliance (IABCA), and Australia India Chamber of Commerce enhance diaspora influence by fostering investment, mentorship, and bilateral trade partnerships. These platforms support entire sectors aligned with Australia’s India Economic Strategy to 2035.

Vision for the Future Economy

By 2035, the Indian-born population is projected to reach around 1.07 million, potentially becoming Australia’s largest migrant group. Their strengths in STEM, health, entrepreneurship, and academia, as well as close ties to India’s fast-growing economy, uniquely position Indian Australians to bridge two dynamic markets. Programs like the Global Talent Visa already attract top Indian talent into cutting-edge sectors such as AI, renewables, fintech, and health tech, ensuring deeper future economic influence.

Indian-Australians in Academia, Research, and the Knowledge Economy

• Professor Brajesh K. Singh (Western Sydney University) leads discoveries critical for sustainable agriculture and climate resilience.
• Professor Madhu Bhaskaran (RMIT) pioneers “electronic skin” technology, contributing to health innovation.
• Professor Veena Sahajwalla (UNSW) advances circular economy research with sustainability applications vital to industry.
• Dr Sonu Yadav, Dr Hema Wadhwa, Dr Angeline Achariya, recent “Superstars of STEM,” are breakthroughs in biosecurity, renewable energy, and AgriFood.
• Dr Ashok Kumar Manoharan (Flinders University), awarded for research on diversity and inclusion impacting workplace productivity.

Corporate Leaders with Large-Scale Impact

• Sanjeev Gandhi, CEO of Orica Limited, leads a major chemicals company that influences the environment and safety.
• Sanjay Dayal, CEO of Pact Group Holdings, pushes sustainability in packaging and manufacturing innovation.
• Sandeep Biswas, former CEO of Newcrest Mining, impacted Australia’s resources sector with operational and safety strategies.
• Vik Bansal, CEO of Boral, manages industries critical to Australia’s infrastructure and waste management.

Political and Public Sector Influence

• Daniel Mookhey, NSW Treasurer, controls significant economic policy shaping the state and national economy.
• Harinder Kaur Sidhu, Australian High Commissioner to New Zealand, plays key roles in diplomacy and public administration.
• Senator Varun Nagarajan Ghosh, a schoolteacher-turned-federal senator, represents Indian Australians in the Australian Parliament.
• Regional leaders like Yaz Mubarakai (WA Legislative Assembly) demonstrate the significant role Indian Australians play in public life beyond business.

Takeaway: Embedded, Influential, and Growing

From multinational CEOs to entrepreneurs, innovators to public leaders, Indian Australians are deeply embedded in Australia’s economic fabric. Their real-world contributions demonstrate not just participation but leadership and transformation. As Australia navigates a more inclusive, knowledge-based economy, the Indian diaspora stands as a vital force shaping the nation’s future.