Ignored warnings, predictable fallout: Lessons for the Liberal Party

The guy got trounced. I’m talking about Zahid Safi, the same man who attempted to enter the Australian Parliament under false pretenses. He allegedly faked his MA degree, misled people about his business record, and has a troubling history of hostility toward the Hazara community. Most recently, he tried to win support from Bruce through fear and intimidation. But the residents saw through the facade and rejected him, sending a clear message: he is dangerous and unfit for public office.

Earlier, I unintentionally predicted the outcome of the election in the Division of Bruce in one of my blog posts titled “Fake it to break it,” referring to a candidate whose credibility was questionable due to a pattern of deception.

The Liberal Party's decision to endorse him was flawed from the beginning. Now, some within the party are calling for a “serious review” of what went wrong. But the core issue is already clear: you didn’t listen to the people.

Members of the Hazara community in Bruce raised serious concerns about Zahid Safi’s candidacy, concerns that were brought directly to party leadership. Those warnings were ignored.

So what went wrong? The answer is obvious: a failure to hear and respect the voices of those most affected.

Reflecting on missteps isn’t dwelling on the past, it’s a necessary step toward doing better. Both the Liberal and Labor parties should take note.

Here’s how you move forward and do better in the future:

1) Conduct thorough background checks on candidates. That includes verifying academic credentials, investigating business dealings, and uncovering any history of illegal or unethical behavior.
2) Understand a candidate’s ties to the community. Know their ethnic background and how they relate to the broader diaspora in the area. 
3) Consult with community leaders and organizers. Learn what other ethnic or immigrant communities live in the division, and ask for their perspective on the candidate. Their input is essential to making informed decisions.

If parties want to represent multicultural Australia with integrity and responsibility, they must start by listening, especially when communities speak out in good faith and with genuine concern.