Election 2025: Politicians accused of ‘buying votes’ from religious groups in Parramatta

It might have answered the prayers of religious groups across western Sydney but huge funding pledges have raised eyebrows for other voters who want better infrastructure.

Huge cash pledges for religious groups in a marginal Sydney seat have led to accusations of a “grab for votes” and questioned the benefit for other voters in the electorate.

Incumbent Parramatta federal Labor MP Andrew Charlton last week announced $7m to build a hall at the Sydney Murugan Temple at Mays Hill and $2m for a community centre at Girraween for the Shree Vitraag Jain group.

At Harris Park, the Maronite Catholic community at Our Lady of Lebanon (OLOL) was promised another $2m on top of the $10m already committed for its cathedral and piazza masterplan.

On-the-fence voter Miranda Jasmin was not impressed when she discovered the promises while trying to determine who would win her vote on May 3.

“What about secular voters?” she posted to social media.

Andrew Charlton and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Sydney Murugan Temple at Mays Hill. Picture: Instagram

The pair visited the temple in November. Picture: Instagram

“Shouldn’t the government fund non-religious initiatives that benefit all voters? I am religious, by the way, but would rather the government invest in roads, infrastructure, defence, energy and cutting the cost of living than my local church buildings.

“I feel these promises are just a grab for voters from large community groups that will tell their friends to vote Labor, rather than with the thought of the whole electorates best interest in mind.’’

Andrew Charlton with Fr Tony Sarkis and Anthony James Yacoub at Our Lady of Lebanon.

Another voter posted: “Tamils can be bribed to think our cost of living has risen by 30 per cent.”

However, Mr Charlton defended his funding promises.

“When it comes to infrastructure, I’ve worked hard to deliver real improvements right across Parramatta – not just promises, but projects already under way or completed,’’ he said.

That included $25m to fix the Toongabbie Bridge bottleneck, widening Epping Bridge, opening a walk-in Medicare mental health centres in Parramatta, NBN upgrades reaching 89.5 per cent of homes and businesses, and $2.2m for CCTV lighting.

Parramatta Liberal candidate Katie Mullens and Premier Dominic Perrottet at Our Lady of Lebanon in 2023. She was the Liberal state candidate in 2023 and is now the federal hopeful.

“As for community funding; every community matters – secular and religious alike,’’ Mr Charlton said.

“That’s why we’re investing across the board.’’

Parramatta Liberal candidate Katie Mullens has also committed $2m for the construction of the OLOL plaza.

The Maronite community is used to politicians and candidates’ dangling carrots.

In the 2023 state election, the Liberals also pledged $5m for the OLOL community towards completing their masterplan but they lost to Labor’s Donna Davis.

A year earlier, Scott Morrison pledged $20m for OLOL and the Orthodox community in Parramatta.

One former OLOL churchgoer blasted some politicians for making speeches in the middle of masses and getting a round of applause despite some voting for issues at odds with the Christian faith.

“Both parties do it and it is a disgrace,’’ he said.

“It’s effectively trying to buy a community’s vote.’’

Western Sydney University partnerships and advocacy director Tom Nance said concerns such as the cost-of-living crisis would be more important to voters so pledges for religious groups won’t “have too much sway in the Parramatta election”.

“At the end of the day communities will look at how it benefits them in the grand scheme of things so pledges like this are viewed favourably but some might think it’s a cash grab as well,” he said.

Originally published as Election 2025: Politicians accused of ‘buying votes’ from religious groups in Parramatta