Indian-Origin Dave Sharma Takes Oath as Senator in Australia

Indian-origin former MP Dave Sharma (47) took oath on Monday as a senator for New South Wales (NSW) in the Australian Parliament.

Defeating former state treasurer Andrew Constance last month, Sharma became the first person of Indian origin from the opposition Liberal party to win the NSW senate post. Sharma is the former Australian Ambassador to Israel.

After the swearing-in, he was congratulated by his colleagues, The Canberra Times reported. He took oath for a seat left vacant by former Foreign Minister Marise Payne.

As a career diplomat before entering parliament, Sharma was also posted to Washington D.C. and headed the international division within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

He graduated in law from the University of Cambridge. He also has a Master of Arts from Cambridge and a Master of Arts (International Relations) from Deakin University.