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Vikram Kulkarni believes that housing, health, and education are fundamental rights. As an independent candidate for Yerrabi, he is committed to advocating for transformative policies that guarantee every Canberran has access to these fundamental essentials.

Growing up in a middle-class family in Mumbai, he witnessed firsthand the struggles his parents faced to make ends meet, which shaped his drive for fairness. These early experiences forged his deep empathy and unwavering belief in justice for all. Now living in Canberra, Vikram shares the challenges that Canberrans grapple with—rising costs, stagnant services, and a disconnected political system.                                                                       

“I understand the struggles that keep families awake at night. And I know what it takes to turn hope into lasting change for all,” says Vikram.

This is why Vikram is stepping forward as an Independent, to advocate for Canberrans who have been overlooked and essentially left behind. Fuelled by personal conviction and a passion for equity, Vikram is determined to put people before politics and deliver the genuine accountability that Canberrans deserve.

A career built on dedication

Vikram’s career began in hospitality management in New Zealand, where his leadership, efficiency, and empathy quickly set him apart. His ability to connect with a diverse group of people and to understand their needs made Vikram a respected figure in the industry. After moving to Australia, he became a General Manager at leading hotels, gaining insights into responsive leadership and community engagement.

Driven by a desire to make a broader impact, Vikram transitioned to the public service, taking on senior roles in Housing ACT. In these roles, he worked on governance, strategy, procurement and contract management, policy, and business transformation, leading projects that delivered positive outcomes.

A call for change

“Canberra deserves better than the status quo.” Experiencing and seeing firsthand the struggles faced by Canberrans—particularly in housing, education, healthcare, and the rising cost of living, and inadequate public services—Vikram is convinced the community deserves decisive, compassionate leadership.

It’s time for a representative who truly listens and takes action. Vikram understands the real challenges we face and is determined to deliver meaningful change—ensuring no one in Canberra is left behind.

Independent and community-focused

Choosing to run as an independent reflects Vikram’s commitment to representing everyday Canberrans. Free from party constraints, he champions real solutions, not empty promises. Vikram prioritises collaboration and bipartisanship, ensuring that his approach is agile, accountable, and genuinely responsive. With no allegiance to any political party, Vikram can make decisions that truly serve the people of Yerrabi.

Leadership for a better Canberra

Vikram offers solutions-focused, compassionate leadership, with a drive to address the pressing needs of Canberrans. His unique blend of private and public sector experience equips him to implement policies that solve current issues without compromising Canberra’s future.

Vikram brings a transformative approach to governance—prioritising community engagement, transparency, and identifying pragmatic, evidence-based solutions, while ensuring people remain at the heart of decision-making.

With a long-term vision for Canberra, Vikram is committed to ensuring that today’s needs are met while safeguarding opportunities for future generations. Compelled by fairness, integrity, and a commitment to people over politics, Vikram’s collaborative approach makes him the leader Canberra needs right now for real, lasting change.

Fairer, healthier and inclusive Canberra

Vikram envisions Canberra as a city where world-class education, affordable housing, and accessible healthcare are not privileges, but rights for all. “Canberrans deserve better representation. It’s time to shift the balance of power and create a government that serves its people,” he says.

Vikram knows that by working together, Canberra can be a place where no one is left behind—a forward-thinking capital that grows sustainably, drives innovation, strengthens our economy, and delivers public services that change lives and uplift communities. His leadership guarantees equity, accessibility, and a commitment to hearing every voice, ensuring every Canberran thrives —all while preserving our beloved Bush Capital for future generations.

Committed to systemic change

To turn this vision into reality, Vikram is committed to tackling Canberra’s systemic challenges head-on. He will:

• Expand affordable housing and ensure fair concessions and taxes.
• Establish a social housing funding trigger to boost investment in our social housing stock and reduce wait times.
• Invest in infrastructure, cutpayroll taxes, simplify regulations, and attract talent to boost small businesses and the economy.
• Fix Canberra’s roads, maintain suburbs and provide affordable, integrated, and efficient public transport.
• Advocate for a new hospital in Gungahlin as well as attract more GPs, specialists, and nurses and review Walk-In centres.
• Modernise school curriculums, expand the Meals at Schools program, and fast-track a new secondary college in Gungahlin.
• Introduce a Future Generations Act to cultivate the Canberra we want for generations to come.

A new politics for Canberra

Vikram’s vision goes beyond immediate solutions—it’s about building a future that lasts.

“As we stand at the crossroads of progress, government policies must secure a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable Canberra for future generations. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to build a legacy of resilience, hope, and action. Intergenerational policymaking isn’t just a strategy—it’s a moral imperative, rooted in integrity, transparency, accountability, and collaboration. It’s time to address the future.”

It’s about engaging authentically with our community and taking responsibility for our actions while demanding accountability from others. Together, we can create a Canberra that is fairer, more transparent, and more responsive to the needs of the community.

“For too long, the same old politics have left many Canberrans feeling unheard and overlooked. It’s time for a new kind of politics— one that puts our community, and our people first.”

Authorised by Vikram Kulkarni, Candidate for Yerrabi, Independents for Canberra.