FIRST AUSSIE POLITICIAN TO BE SWORN IN WITH SIKH SCRIPTURES

Indian-born biotechnologist and scientist Dr Parwinder Kaur has made history by becoming the first Sikh woman elected to the Western Australian Parliament. 

She was officially sworn in as a Member of the Legislative Council on May 22, 2025, representing the Australian Labor Party.

At her swearing-in ceremony, she made history again by taking her oath with her hand placed on the Gutka Sahib, a Sikh holy scripture, becoming the first politician in Australia to do so. 

The Gutka Sahib is a smaller version of the Sikh Holy scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Kaur was barefoot and wore traditional Sikh attire, including a white kurta embroidered with religious symbols ‘Ik Onkar’ and 'Kaur' and a headscarf. 

Dr Parwinder Kaur has made history by becoming the first Sikh woman elected to the Western Australian Parliament. Photo: WA Parliament.

Born in Nawanshahr, Punjab, India, Dr Kaur moved to Australia in 2007 as an international PhD scholar at the University of Western Australia (UWA). 

She holds a PhD in molecular biology and biotechnology and has had a distinguished career as a research scientist and associate professor at UWA. Before entering politics, she was the director of DNA Zoo Australia. 

Dr Kaur has been a vocal advocate for women in STEM and diversity in science, earning multiple awards, including induction into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame in 2023. 

Dr Kaur described her election as “not a career change — it’s a call to serve this beautiful country." 

"Today is a day I will carry with me forever." Dr Kaur posted on social media after she was sworn in as a Member of the Legislative Council of Western Australia. 

"It’s an incredible honour and a deeply humbling milestone."As a migrant, a mother, and a woman in STEM, I carry with me the stories of countless others who deserve to see themselves reflected in leadership," said newly elected WA MLC Parwinder Kaur. 

Western Australia stands at the edge of profound transformation in clean energy, innovation, health, education, and digital futures. I’m here to help shape that future — one that is inclusive, evidence-driven, and built on the belief that technology should uplift every community, not just a few," added Dr Kaur.