I’m Nikil, and I’m proud to stand as The Greens candidate for Petrie.

The electorate of Petrie is a vibrant, growing community, but like many places across the country, we face real challenges: the rising cost of living, housing insecurity, and a lack of real political representation that truly listens to everyday people. 

My roots may stretch to India and Oman, but my beating heart belongs here in Australia, shaped by our vibrant communities, our deep sense of fairness and our belief in opportunity for all. As a software engineer in medical technology, I’ve helped build systems that improve lives; but I’ve also seen how our political system fails to do the same - leaving too many people behind.

I believe in a better way. With my background in engineering and a passion for the history and future of technology, I believe that technology can help build accessible digital platforms for direct input from the community. Politics CAN be about serving people, not maintaining power. This approach might seem radical in a system where we’re used to leaders standing on podiums and delivering their decisions for our community. But I believe true strength lies in humility. It takes courage to listen to dissenting opinions, to admit when you're wrong, and to trust in the wisdom of the collective.

We live in a time of great challenges: economic inequality strains our communities, climate change threatens our planet, and social divisions undermine our cohesion. These challenges are complex, and no single person has all the answers. But together, as a diverse electorate, we possess the creativity, knowledge, and resilience to navigate these crises.

Beyond work and politics, I live and breathe community. Whether I’m drumming with Ambition Road & Friends, parading with the Riff Raff marching band, lifting spirits on the piano with my church choir, playing LMS cricket, or supporting grassroots initiatives, I know that real magic happens when we work together. That’s the energy I want to bring to Parliament - a spirit of fairness, collaboration, and bold action.

The Greens are fighting for a future where no one is left behind. We’re pushing for free education, expanding Medicare to include dental and mental health care, and ensuring affordable housing for all. We can fund these essential services by making coal, gas, and other mining corporations pay their fair share in taxes and royalties, so that everyday Australians don’t carry the burden while billion-dollar industries rake in massive profits.

This campaign is about all of us. I’m not running to impose my vision; I’m running because I believe in yours. I believe in the family hoping to buy their first home, the student who dreams of a stable independent future, the small business owner who drives our local economy, and the elder whose wisdom guides us all. Together, we can redefine leadership and build a government that truly represents the people it serves. A fairer future isn’t just possible - it’s within reach.

Let’s make it happen!