Andrew Charlton denies not living in Parramatta after neighbours report him MIA

Neighbours say millionaire MP Dr Andrew Charlton has barely been seen at his new abode in the local area. He insists that’s down to “renovations”. See the before and after photos.

Parramatta Labor MP Andrew Charlton has denied claims he just is a Bellevue Hill blow-in after his new Western Sydney neighbours said they had not seen him since the federal election.

During the 2022 election campaign Mr Charlton bought a classic brick family four-bedder in North Parramatta, a far cry from the $16 million eastern suburbs residence with sweeping views across Sydney Harbour he previously called home.

But neighbours who spoke to The Daily Telegraph said Mr Charlton, who made millions in business before entering parliament, has barely been seen at his new abode since winning his seat in May.

“(I haven’t seen him) since he moved in, the lights come on in the night time but there is nobody there,” one woman said. “I think somebody stayed there (for) a couple of nights when the election was on, it’s not right really.”

“It’s a damn shame because it was a beautifully kept home, (now) we won’t see him until the next election.”

Parramatta MP Andrew Charlton’s house in North Parramatta. Neighbours claim he has not been seen there since the election. Picture: John Grainger

Another neighbour of Mr Charlton also said he had not seen him since the election, but added his absence had not been an issue because he was “doing a good job.”

“I haven’t seen him since the election,” he said.

“You don’t have to live in Parramatta (to be the MP), he’s in constant contact with us. I don’t think it matters if he lives here, as long as he’s doing his job.”

A drive-by of Mr Charlton’s North Parramatta property found that much of the front yard was overgrown and in a state of relative disrepair.

Jason Lawn Mowing Services owner Rey Rizkallah has been mowing lawns in Western Sydney for 10 years.

She said Mr Charlton’s front lawn had not been mowed in at least eight weeks.

Andrew Charlton delivers his maiden speech at Parliament House in Canberra, having donned the Parramatta Eels’ blue and gold. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“Not everywhere is it long but there are sections,” Ms Rizkallah said. “Near the garden bed near the window there are a lot of weeds.

“I reckon it hasn’t been mowed, easy eight weeks.”

Contacted by the Telegraph, Mr Charlton conceded the lawn was unkempt.

“Yes, the grass is overgrown,” he said. “I’m living at a rented home in Parramatta while we renovate the house we own (there).”

Mr Charlton delivered his first speech to parliament on Tuesday, praising “the success of the mighty Eels” while wearing a tie in the NRL grand final team’s colours.

A spokesman said Mr Charlton was “thrilled that the Parramatta Eels have made it to the grand final and is looking forward to watching the game this weekend”.

During the 2022 campaign, Mr Charlton faced a number of controversies about his knowledge of, and commitment to, the Parramatta area.

In one incident, he was unable to name three local restaurants when asked by a local Indian-Australian journalist.