Parramatta federal Labor MP Andrew Charlton makes maiden speech in Parliament
He attracted controversy for being parachuted into the federal Parramatta seat from the eastern suburbs. Four months later, Andrew Charlton has expressed his commitment to the “great, aspirational” city.
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Sporting a blue and gold tie, Parramatta federal Labor MP Andrew Charlton has expressed his commitment to the “great, aspirational city” and told businesses “if you are not in Parramatta you are missing out on the future of Sydney” during his maiden speech in Parliament on Tuesday.
This week, the millionaire denied more claims that he was a blow-in from Bellevue Hill and forced to defend the unkept state of his North Parramatta front yard, which he said was being renovated.
The former AlphaBeta founder claimed a comfortable victory in the May 21 poll and came to “this place as a proud representative of Parramatta”.
“Now, in case you hadn’t noticed, Parramatta today is a city full of excitement. And it’s not just the success of the mighty Eels,” he said.
“Parramatta is blossoming as the geographic heart of Greater Sydney and the gateway to the new western Sydney powerhouse of growth.’’
Mr Charlton called Parramatta the most dynamic and fastest growing CBD in Australia with a million square metres of prime office space already laid down, and a million more to be built in the next five years.
“Nine university campuses have established themselves in the city to take advantage of the extraordinary pool of talent across western Sydney,’’ he said.
“Dozens of companies have moved to Parramatta to be part of its stellar growth. My message to big businesses across our state is simple: if you are not in Parramatta you are missing out on the future of Sydney.’’
He noted how residents were proud of the city’s heritage and said the most remarkable feature of Parramatta was its people.
“The city has been built by successive waves of newcomers seeking a better life for themselves and their families, whether it’s the strong Lebanese community around Harris Park, or the Greek community raising a new church on the banks of the Parramatta River, or the Chinese and Koreans who have moved to Carlingford, or the Indians and Sri Lankans in Wentworthville, Westmead and Harris Park, or the Muslims, Afghanis, Hazzaras and other communities now growing their presence,’’ he said.
“Parramatta is a great city, an aspirational city, and it’s my intention to help its citizens make it a global city.”
The private father of three children — Angus, Ruth and Ingrid — acknowledged the support of his wife Phoebe who encouraged him to take the leap into politics.
“We have shared a raft through life’s rapids, and had a lot of fun along the journey,’’ he said.
“And, while it is a great honour to be able to make a contribution to our nation, it’s a greater honour to be your husband.’’
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