NSW State Election: Chris Minns’ worst nightmare a step closer to reality

Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone has registered with the electoral commission as a candidate for Cabramatta, making him poised to run for the seat.

One of Labor Leader Chris Minns’ worst nightmares has come a step closer to reality.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal that independent Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone has registered with the electoral commission as a candidate for Cabramatta, making him poised to run for the seat.

Mr Carbone insisted he has not yet officially nominated but will be forced to run for the safe Labor seat unless Mr Minns commits to a new metro link in southwest Sydney.

Labor operatives have been petrified for months that Mr Carbone could run against them, in a move which could be a repeat of Dai Le’s victory against Kristina Keneally in Fowler last year.

Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone (left) pictured with Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil and Energy Chris Bowen.

”I’ve registered, my nomination is ready, and unless there is a positive outcome for my community I will have no choice but to do this for them,” he told the Telegraph.

“The Premier has put no funding on the table for our community and Chris Minns has taken away any hope of providing opportunities for our people through tourism, jobs, and opportunities.”

”Our city is one of the most disadvantaged in NSW.”

”We have the highest unemployment, the worst hospital, and we travel for hours to go to work.

”The east-west Metro is a transformative project that could change our region,” he said.

”I love being the mayor and I’ll never give it up but running for the state might be something,” he said.