Charishma Kaliyanda was raised, educated and has worked in Southwest Sydney for most of her career. In 2023, she was elected as the first Indian-born Australian Member of Parliament for Liverpool. She is also a Councillor at Liverpool City Council - a position she’s held since 2016. Before entering Parliament, Charishma worked as a registered Occupational Therapist working in the youth mental health sector.

She currently sits as the Deputy Chair of the Health Care Complaints Committee in the NSW Parliament, where she oversees complaints related to healthcare providers and facilities, striving to uphold patient rights and safety while working towards effective resolutions.

Charishma believes in integrity and equality. She wants all people to have opportunities, dignity, and respect in their communities, and knows good governments have a responsibility to provide quality health, education, transport, and services.