Islamic College of Brisbane CEO Ali Kadri runs for ALP delegate post to help Rankin’s Jim Chalmers

Queensland’s highest profiled Muslim leader is set to take on a new challenge after declaring his candidacy to become a Labor Party delegate in the federal seat of Rankin.

Queensland’s highest profiled Muslim leader is set to take on a new challenge after declaring his candidacy to become a Labor Party delegate in the federal seat of Rankin.

Ali Kadri, the well-known CEO of the Islamic College of Brisbane in the Logan suburb of Karawatha, revealed his plans saying he hoped to become one of nine ALP delegates elected in the seat, held by federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers.

Mr Kadri, 40, who volunteered to help Dr Chalmers during the May election campaign, said “the time was right” to throw his hat into the political ring, after becoming a member of the party in 2018.

“I joined the Labor Party because I believe in its progressive policies and core values – like embracing equality and inclusion,” Mr Kadri said.

Queensland’s highest profiled Muslim leader Ali Kadri, the well-known CEO of the Islamic College of Brisbane, hopes to become one of nine ALP delegates elected in the seat of Rankin, held by federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers, pictured.

“I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves to do the hard work needed to get things done.”

Labor Party members within the electorate will vote this month to decide the successful Rankin delegates.

In an “unusual move”, Mr Kadri said he would not be joining any party factions, promising to remain “a truly independent voice” if elected.

“By remaining independent, I will be able to represent people in an equal and fair way,” he said.

“I’ll consider all sides of arguments, support policies and positions on merit, and work with other delegates without fear or favour to develop meaningful policies.”

Mr Kadri, the youngest president of the Holland Park mosque and a former spokesman for the Islamic Council of Queensland, said becoming a party delegate would not affect his role as college CEO, which he took up in 2020.

“While it potentially will mean extra responsibilities, I won’t be required to do the amount of work undertaken by a member of parliament for example,” he said.

“I’ve grown adept at managing my time since arriving in Australia in 2003 as an international student, when I immediately fell in love with the tolerance and diversity of Australia and its people.

“Apart from helping run a small business and the college, I still undertake my volunteer work, something which has helped me forge strong community bonds.”

Mr Kadri said his interest in politics stemmed from his appointment to the state government’s inaugural Multicultural Advisory Council in 2016.

Since then, he has worked with government organisations including state and federal law enforcement agencies on complex issues such as extremism, racism and social cohesion.

Originally published as Islamic College of Brisbane CEO Ali Kadri runs for ALP delegate post to help Rankin’s Jim Chalmers