Integrity and action: Samim Moslih’s honest commitment

In early December 2024, Samim Moslih officially announced his candidacy for the federal seat of Calwell as an Independent, setting the stage for what promises to be a very interesting campaign. 

At 47 years of age, the father of four from the Melbourne suburb of Craigieburn has built a life rooted in faith, service, resilience and a commitment to the community he loves.

Born in Afghanistan, Samim’s journey to Australia began in the 1980s when his family left the war-torn nation. 

“We left for Iran when I was four,” he recalls. 

“I still remember our family settling in a massive park filled with refugees like us.”

“An Iranian-Afghan delegation offered my father (who was highly educated) resettlement assistance, but he declined, countering, ‘Only if you can help everyone else here in the park, too’….even though I was small, that moment helped define leadership for me: servitude and responsibility.”

By February 1986, the Moslih family found hope in Australia, settling in Melbourne. 

Samim’s father, Zaman, a renowned veterinarian, and his mother, Mahro, a talented designer, instilled in their children a strong emphasis on education and compassion. 

“My father always said, ‘Australia is our new home….take every opportunity to invest back into this society’.”

But the transition wasn’t easy. Arriving at age eight, Samim struggled to adapt, starting Grade 4 with no English. 

“Primary school was tough,” he admits. “I faced a lot of bullying, but it taught me to stand up for the little guy – a principle that’s stayed with me ever since.”

Samim’s early experiences shaped his grit and determination. 

Despite academic struggles in high school, he earned a place at Victoria University, studying civil engineering while working part-time. 

“I cleaned at the Alfred Hospital, worked as a butcher and even did renovation work to support myself,” he recalls. 

“Society often looks down on certain roles, but I believe it’s everyone’s contributions that make it function.”

He even took on a day a week of unpaid work at busy construction company Delta Group, gaining valuable industry experience. 

Over the next two decades, Samim rose through the ranks in the state public service at VicRoads, taking on influential leadership roles such as Director of Strategy and Planning and Director of Journey Services, overseeing the day-to-day operations and tactical planning of Melbourne’s road and freeway network.

His time at VicRoads was marked by innovation and collaboration.

“As Manager of Network Operations, I had to negotiate with 31 bodies to develop a framework for transport systems,” he says. 

“It taught me the value of bringing people together for a common goal and the importance of a common language.”

In 2021, Samim was headhunted by Transport for NSW and relocated to Sydney, where he oversaw operational changes during major events like New Year’s Eve, Vivid and the Women’s Football World Cup. 

However, he left that role recently to return to Melbourne for family support as his newborn had been diagnosed with a rare syndrome.

The move back has also allowed him to focus on his political aspirations.

Samim’s decision to enter politics stems from his dissatisfaction with both major parties.

“Labor has left so much of the community behind by moving to the right, while the Liberals have ignored us completely,” he says. 

“The Greens assume they have our vote, but they don’t understand our values.”

“Statements from the prime minister like the illegal occupier Israel having ‘the right to defend itself’ are inexcusable….we are talking about genocide here.”

“As for (Opposition Leader) Peter Dutton, his rhetoric is about as extreme as you can get.”

Standing as an Independent, Samim’s campaign centres on three core principles:

1. Building local economies: Samim proposes reducing taxes for small and medium-sized businesses, which he describes as “the real engines of our economy.” He also advocates for creating shared resource hubs to help smaller construction companies compete with larger firms. “We need fast-track planning approvals and expert advice to empower these smaller but hard-working entities,” he explains.

2. Affordable living: With the rising cost of living and housing shortages, Samim’s policies aim to provide relief. “Government payments should be leg-ups, not handouts,” he says. “We should support people to become independent with dignity.” He also suggests freezing HECS debt for graduates who cannot find commensurate jobs within five years and introducing a brand new but  similar scheme for entrepreneurs.

3. Cultural pride and multifaith unity: Aspiring to represent one of Australia’s most diverse electorates, Samim stresses the importance of celebrating both multiculturalism and multifaith communities. “What’s the use of building mosques, temples, churches, gurdwaras and synagogues if people can’t practice their religion freely?” he asks. “We must protect everyone’s right to live by their values.”

Samim’s platform reflects his deep empathy for those struggling in today’s Australia. “Cost of living is killing the average person,” he laments. 

“I want to bring integrity back to representative democracy, ensuring that parliament works for the people, not big business or lobby groups.”

His personal experiences also influence his policies. 

“As someone who started Grade 4 without knowing a word of English and worked as a cleaner to get through university, I understand what it means to struggle,” he says. 

“That’s why I believe in ‘small government’ that supports, not overburdens, its citizens.”

Samim, whose two older children from his first marriage are half-Turkish, reflects on the sacrifices he’s made for family but he wouldn’t have it any other way. 

In 2019, he resigned from VicRoads to support the family in the care of his mother after she had a serious fall. 

“Family comes first,” he points out. “It was a privilege to support mum through her ordeal, although my wonderful sister was her main carer.”

With the federal election now only five months away (May, 2025), Samim hopes to inspire Calwell’s residents to demand better from their representatives. 

“Both major parties are financially incompetent and out of touch,” he says. “We need leaders who listen and deliver real results.”

His campaign is already gaining traction, with many seeing Samim as a breath of fresh air in a political landscape dominated by partisan interests.

“Calwell deserves a representative who fights for fairness and equality, regardless of your position on the social ladder.”

DISCLOSURE: As the writer of this article, I must disclose that I have known Samim Moslih for over five years. While we’re not “on each other’s speed dial”, as former shock jock Ray Hadley used to describe close friendships, Samim is a very good mate. He is one of the most highly principled men I’ve ever met, and I have no doubt he would give Calwell residents – and all multicultural groups including Muslims – their strongest possible voice in parliament. He stands for integrity, fairness and unity – qualities sadly lacking (and sorely needed) in our political system today.