It’s About Self-Representation, Not Protest: Independent Dr Ziad Basyouny on Taking Watson

The appearance of Independent for Watson Dr Ziad Basyouny on that seat’s 2025 federal election ballot paper must be proving unsettling for current electorate holder immigration minister Tony Burke, who’s now sat comfortably in the seat for two decades, as the doctor is offering one of the most diverse electorates in the country something the Labor member can’t, self-representation.

Watson covers a large portion of Sydney’s southwest region, which is home to large numbers of migrant families. The rhetoric that Burke and federal Labor have employed to hold the NSW seat since October 2004 has long been losing its sheen, and the response of the government to the Gaza genocide over its last term in office, has really signalled its death knell.

Basyouny was the first amongst a number of high-profile Muslim candidates to announce that he would be running for the next federal election last August, due to the enabling approach the Albanese government was taking to the Israeli-perpetrated Gaza genocide.

And federal Labor’s recent end-of-year crackdown on refugees and asylum seekers has done little to endear itself to Watson residents either.

The constituents of Watson are further struggling under the dual housing and cost-of-living crises, a lack of adequate healthcare facilities in the region, as well as with the need for their human rights to be maintained and upheld, which are all issues that Dr Basyouny has further promised to action.

The Muslim Vote

Following then Labor senator Fatima Payman crossing the floor to vote with the Greens in support of Palestine last June, a debate sprung up around broader representation for Muslim constituents in federal parliament, as major party politicians refused to condemn Israel but rather demonised pro-Palestinian constituents.

Voting advocacy organisations The Muslim Vote and Muslim Votes Matter then established themselves in response to this. And the greenslide of the 2022 federal election that featured a mass of voters turning away from the major parties to vote for the Greens and teal independents is likely to be more sizable this federal vote with the addition of Islamic green votes.

However, Dr Basyouny is clear, he is running in the seat of Watson not solely to represent Muslims, as he’s keen to forge change for all of his fellow constituents no matter their background or religion.

Sydney Criminal Lawyers spoke to Independent for Watson Dr Ziad Basyouny about the broader issues facing the constituency of Watson after 20 years under Burke, the reason independents are needed in parliament right now and why his running mate ought to be concerned.

Dr Basyouny, you’re running in the coming federal election in the seat of Watson, which is currently held by home affairs minister Tony Burke.

The announcement that you’re running for Watson came amidst nationwide discussion regarding Muslims independently entering federal parliament and coordinating votes, so that the concerns of their communities are addressed in federal parliament.

Burke has been sitting pretty in the seat of Watson for 20 years, so why would you say your presence on the ballot paper changes the voting situation in Watson? Why should the immigration minister be concerned?

For me, this campaign has always been about the people behind the votes. The reason I’m running is simple: for too long, our community has lacked the representation it deserves.

Whether it’s the cost-of-living crisis, skyrocketing housing prices, access to affordable healthcare, or the injustices faced at home and abroad – First Nations rights, recognition of Palestine – our community has not had the fierce advocacy it needs.

For 20 years, Mr Burke has held this seat, yet we haven’t seen real progress. The issues affecting our families today are worse than ever.

The cost of housing has soared, electricity prices are rising and essential infrastructure – like a desperately needed upgraded hospital in Bankstown – has been talked about for decades, yet nothing has been delivered.

Despite Labor claiming a $1.3 billion investment, not a single shovel has hit the ground. Why? Because Watson is a safe seat, and safe seats are neglected.

This election is different because, for the first time, people in Watson have a real alternative.

Communities across Australia have realised that we can’t keep waiting for the major parties to act – we must represent ourselves. Just like other communities have mobilised to create real political change, it’s time for Watson to do the same.

The immigration minister and the government should be concerned, not because of my candidacy, but because the people of Watson are demanding better. We are tired of being ignored, tired of promises with no action, and tired of leadership that takes this seat for granted.

This isn’t just about protest – it’s about self-representation. For too long, we have been begging for meetings, marching for change and waiting for progress.

Now, we are stepping up, taking the levers of democracy into our own hands, and ensuring that Watson has a representative who fights for its people – not for party interests. That’s why my presence on the ballot changes the voting landscape entirely.

The reason the push for real Muslim representation in federal parliament has come to the fore is that during the course of the Gaza genocide both major parties have sought to downplay what Israel has been doing, despite its commission of the gravest of all crimes.

How would you describe the form of the Albanese government on Gaza? What implications has it led to in the domestic sphere, and how would greater Muslim representation in parliament create difference in terms of this going into the future?

The Albanese government’s stance on Gaza has been nothing short of disgraceful. They haven’t just downplayed Israel’s actions – they have been active enablers of what the International Court of Justice has described as a plausible genocide.

Their refusal to sanction Israel, their blocking of ceasefire motions and their unconditional diplomatic and military support make them complicit.

History will remember this moment, and I have no doubt that in the years to come, we will find ourselves in yet another Museum of Shame, acknowledging our government’s failure to stand for justice.

This government was quick to sanction Russia over Ukraine, yet it refuses to hold Israel to the same human rights standards expected of a so-called western liberal democracy.

This double standard is not lost on our communities. The political establishment –both Labor and Liberal – have demonstrated time and again that they prioritise geopolitical alliances over basic human rights and international law.

The implications domestically have been profound. We have seen an emboldening of Islamophobia, a criminalisation of Palestinian solidarity, and a complete disregard for the safety and dignity of Arab and Muslim Australians.

The silence in the face of rising hate crimes, racial violence and discrimination is deafening. We have watched as selective justice is applied, with swift responses to antisemitism but a shocking indifference to the growing Islamophobia in our own communities.

Greater Muslim representation in parliament isn’t just about Palestine – it’s about ensuring that no community is left begging for recognition.

For too long, our communities have been forced to rely on politicians who use us as photo ops while ignoring our voices when it matters.

Even the mere threat of an independent campaign has forced certain politicians to finally start meeting with community groups. That alone proves the power of self-representation.

We need independent, principled voices in parliament who are not beholden to party politics – who will fight for justice, human rights and accountability, both domestically and in foreign policy. This system will not change unless we change it ourselves.

It’s time to stop begging for a seat at the table and start taking our place in shaping the future of this country.

Voting advocacy group The Muslim Vote is supporting you as a candidate in the next election. There are other Muslim candidates that also have its backing.

Aside from the politics around Gaza over the last 16 months, how would more Muslim representation in parliament benefit communities?

Whilst The Muslim Vote has endorsed me as an independent candidate, I must stress that I am an independent that represents all of Watson, regardless of religion, culture or identity.

The issues that matter to Muslims in Watson are the same issues that affect everyone in this electorate, whether you are Christian, Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Chinese, Vietnamese, Greek, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Lebanese, or from any background or faith.

We all face the same struggles: housing affordability, rising interest rates, access to quality healthcare and a cost-of-living crisis that keep pushing families closer and closer to the brink.

We all want a safer and fairer society where people like us, who come from all walks of life, from many different backgrounds, are represented by someone like us, who understands the struggles of being an immigrant or descended from immigrants in Australia.

No one but someone who has experienced these challenges will be able to represent our communities and advocate for this fairness.

For 20 years, Watson has had a representative who has failed to deliver meaningful change. Having an independent representative – someone who has lived these struggles firsthand – ensures that Watson is no longer taken for granted.

When policies are being made, Watson’s voice must be in the room.

Beyond domestic issues, Muslim Australians, like all Australians, deserve leadership that values human rights and fairness in foreign policy.

We believe in stable, ethical leadership that prioritises justice both at home and abroad.

Our community has so much to contribute to Australia. Our tradition teaches us the importance of protecting life, liberty and property.

We have an opportunity not just to be represented, but to shape the character of this country. This is about more than just a vote – it’s about self-representation, accountability and ensuring that Watson and Australia get the leadership it deserves.

Your running mate is currently the head of the immigration department. There was a long-term permanent visa encampment protest out the front of Burke’s office until it was recently moved away.

Under his watch, the Albanese government enacted three draconian pieces of immigration legislation towards the end of last year. These were said to be the most severe laws in decades.

How do you consider this nation’s track record on immigration? How would you work to see it change if elected?

Australia’s immigration system has long been in need of serious reform, but instead of delivering fairness, compassion and efficiency, we’ve seen successive governments – including the current one – double down on punitive, reactionary policies that punish some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

The Albanese government’s recent immigration laws represent some of the most severe restrictions in decades, further entrenching an already broken system.

These laws disproportionately impact refugees, asylum seekers and long-term residents who have built their lives here. Instead of offering pathways to stability and contribution, we’re seeing policies that push people into uncertainty and hardship.

If elected, I would advocate for a complete overhaul of our immigration system – one that is guided by principles of fairness, transparency and human dignity.

This means ending indefinite detention and restoring proper legal pathways for refugees and asylum seekers.

It requires creating a humane and efficient visa system that doesn’t leave people waiting in limbo for years.

It further means protecting long-term residents who have lived, worked and contributed to our society from being arbitrarily stripped of their rights.

We need to ensure that immigration policies reflect Australia’s values and international obligations, rather than being dictated by political opportunism.

Australia is a country built by immigrants. We need policies that reflect that reality – policies that prioritise people, not just politics.

And lastly, Dr Basyouny, Watson is one of the most diverse seats in the country. And whilst the electorate has a sizable population of Muslims, it has a very diverse population on top of that.

So, if elected, what’s your vision for the electorate and further, what’s your vision for the nation?

Watson is a vibrant, diverse and deeply connected community: one that reflects the very best of Australia’s multicultural identity. It is home to people from all walks of life, faiths and backgrounds, who contribute to the rich social, cultural and economic fabric of our nation.

My vision for Watson is one where every community feels seen, heard and empowered, where no one is left behind, and where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated as a strength.

If elected, my priority will be to ensure that Watson’s diversity is met with equal representation, resources, and opportunities, whether that means tackling the housing crisis, improving healthcare access, protecting small businesses, or addressing the cost-of-living pressures that affect every household, regardless of background.

My leadership will be for all communities, not just some.

On a national level, my vision is an Australia that truly lives up to its values – a fairer, more just and more inclusive country where policies reflect the needs of people, not just party politics.

That means a government that stands for affordable housing, strong public healthcare, a humane and just immigration system and an unwavering commitment to equality, dignity and justice for all.

Our diversity is our greatest asset, and Watson is proof of that. It’s time we have leadership that understands that strength—not just in words, but in action.”