Quick Facts
Biography
Farzian Zainal is a politician from Christmas Island who is a councillor for the Shire of Christmas Island and the treasurer of the Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation. In 2023 she was appointed as administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Background
Zainal was born on Christmas Island and speaks Malay. Her grandfather was one of a number of Malaysian migrants who came to the island in the 1950s to work in the phosphate industry. Her father also worked in the mines. Zainal is a member of the fourth generation of her family to live on the island. She completed her education in Western Australia, like many other Christmas Islanders, since further education is not available on the island. She won a scholarship to study in Perth.
Career
Zainal is a councillor for the Shire of Christmas Island. She is due for re-election in 2023. She is a community representative for, and the treasurer of, the Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation, which is administered by the Australian government. This includes responsibility for the Indian Ocean Territories Community Fund. She is a member of the management committee of Indian Ocean Group Training Association, which advocates for on island training and vocational education. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Zainal stated that it was concern for the elderly population that meant that younger islanders kept strictly to precautions to keep the island virus free.
In 2023 she was appointed Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. She will be in the role for three years.