Community leaders slam decision to demote Ed Husic in favour of Kristina Keneally

Community leaders have labelled rising star Ed Husic’s demotion as “heartbreaking” after he chose to stand down from the frontbench to allow Kristina Keneally to take a spot as home affairs spokesman.

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Western Sydney community leaders have blasted Labor’s decision to sideline rising star Ed Husic in favour of Kristina Keneally.

The son of Bosnian immigrants, Mr Husic — a well-liked MP in his electorate of Chifley — chose to stand down from the frontbench, allowing the former NSW premier to take a spot as home affairs spokeswoman after the ALP’s defeat in the federal election.

And Bosnian and Herzegovinian Cultural Association president Zahida Cardakilja, who has a Muslim background like Mr Husic, said it was “heartbreaking” to see him demoted­.

Ed Husic’s demotion has been slammed by community leaders. Picture: Kym Smith

It paves the way for Kristina Keneally to take a spot as home affairs spokeswoman. Picture: Kym Smith

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“I think he’s done a lot to be in that position,” Ms Cardakilja told The Daily Telegraph.

“He comes to all our functions, especially when we have Independence Day … when we have July 11 (in memory of the Srebrenica massacre) — he always attends. It’s really good, he supports us and we support him.”

Ms Cardakilja said someone like Mr Husic served as an inspiration to young people from a variety of religious and ethnic backgrounds.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from … there’s nothing stopping you, it doesn’t matter if you’re Bosnian background or what religion you are,” she said. “It’s good for our kids to look up (to).”

Bosnian and Herzegovinian Cultural Association president Zahida Cardakilja is “heartbroken” to see him demoted. Picture Rohan Kelly

Ms Cardakilja also said Mr Husic gave a voice to religious and ethnic minorities in Parliament: “It’s a voice for all Bosnians, we don’t have a chance to put our voice there or give them ideas about what we think … it’s easier to talk to Ed because we feel comfortable with him.”

Western Sydney Business Chamber director David Borger, a former state Labor MP, said Mr Husic deserved a spot on the ALP’s shadow frontbench.

“I think Western Sydney needs Ed in the main team,” he said. “He’s one of the few MPs that’s seriously interested in technology and the digital divide. Western Sydney is very young, there are pockets of disadvantage … that someone like Ed can really relate to and stand up for.

“If you’re in the Cabinet room, your area is going to be represented.”

Former state Labor MP David Borger said Mr Husic deserved a spot on the frontbench. Picture: Hollie Adams

Hasan Alijagic, a former president of the Australian Bosnian and Herzegovinian Cultural Association, said Mr Husic was a people person.

“He’s a good man, he has a good capacity when it comes to brain cells and communicating with people,” Mr Alijagic said.

“Having someone let’s say (from) another continent coming in, within 40 or 50 years and coming a part of the country’s leading section of the society … it’s showing that everybody is getting a fair go.”

Ms Keneally has already been forced to backtrack on comments she made before entering federal politics suggesting refugees on Manus Island and Nauru should be sent to Australia instead of the US.