ANKARA
Mehmet Tillem, 39, an Australian Labor Party MP of Turkish origin, has been elected to the Victorian Upper House after David Feeney's resignation.
This is the first time in Australian history that an MP of Turkish origin became a member of the Senate.
It was a long walk which took 20 years, Tillem told the Anadolu Agency, referring to the number of years he served under Labor Party.
He said he will be running for the general election on September 7, but will hold his new position till the end of June 2014 regardless of the results.
There is a discernible Turkish population living in Australia but there were only three MP of Turkish descent in the Victorian Parliament and none in Australian Federal Parliament till Tillem's election.
"As a senator, it is my duty to represent all the electors but of course our doors are open for Turkish community and we will give our help and support whenever it is needed." said Tillem.
"What is important for me is creating jobs for those who need it, providing education for our children and ensuring the healthcare system serves our people. These are the important things for me."
