2024 council elections: Lead candidates for Fairfield City Council profiled
The upcoming 2024 local council elections are inching closer, with less than a week before residents head to the polling booths across the state. Meet the Fairfield candidates vying for your vote.
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The upcoming 2024 local council elections are inching closer, with less than a week before residents head to the polling booths across the state.
In Sydney’s southwest, there are 13 spots up for grabs at Fairfield City Council and a number of candidates, new and returning, are throwing their hats into the ring.
We have reached out to each of the lead candidates running for the council to find out their priorities, why they are running and what they think of high-density housing.
Fairfield City Council is separated into two wards – Fairfield/Cabravale Ward and Parks.
The Liberal Party did not nominate any candidates for Fairfield.
Not all lead candidates from each group responded to questions, but any additional further responses will be updated below.
Fairfield/Cabravale Ward
Charbel Saliba – Independent
Charbel Saliba is the current deputy mayor of Fairfield and is vying for another term. He is running alongside Milovan Karajcic, Emmanuel Brikha, Antonio Carbone, Annie Tran and Rita Paul Matti.
Kate Khanh Hoang – Independent
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
If elected as your local councillor, I will prioritise addressing a number of issues in need of attention, particularly the underfunding of local resources, housing affordability, and the need for more parking.
As a proud local who attended Cabramatta High School and now runs my own law firm in the area, I have a deep understanding of our community’s needs and challenges.
Our local amenities, from libraries to community centres, are crucial for the wellbeing and development of our community. However, chronic underfunding has led to diminished services and facilities. I will advocate for increased funding to ensure these resources are adequately supported.
The rising cost of housing is a pressing issue that affects many families in our area. I will push for initiatives that encourage the development of affordable housing projects, and explore options for rent control and housing subsidies.
What have you found is a major issue in the Fairfield LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
In the Fairfield local government area, a major issue is the increasing cost of living and the lack of employment opportunities. Many residents are struggling with rising expenses and limited job prospects. To address this, I propose initiatives to support local businesses and attract new industries to create more job opportunities.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
I believe that high-density housing can play a crucial role in addressing the housing affordability crisis and accommodating our growing population. However, it’s important that such developments are balanced with the needs and character of our community. I support high-density housing in principle but emphasise that it must be implemented with careful planning to ensure it does not overwhelm existing infrastructure or detract from the local character.
Dai Le – Australian Women’s Party
Dai Le is a sitting councillor. She is running alongside Marie Rose Saliba, Dennis Suro, Leonie Le, Emma Tran, Ngoc My Tang.
Tan Kien Ly – Labor Party
Tan Ly is a sitting councillor on Fairfield and is running alongside Stella Kina, Mickey Ngo, Michal Walczak, Joseph Huan and Ngoc Trinh.
“A diverse local Labor team will provide best services to the Fairfield community,” he said.
What have you identified as a major issue in your ward, and how do you intend to tackle this as a councillor?
For my ward and also for the Fairfield local government area, the Labor team would like to focus on the essential services: cleaner shopping centres, enhanced footpaths, more parking, safer roads and better parks. These are the services that make a genuine difference to our quality of life, ensuring our neighbourhoods are safe, accessible, and vibrant.
What have you found is a major issue in the Fairfield LGA (not just your ward) and how do you intend to address this as a councillor?
In recent times, cleanliness of some major shopping centres in the local government area needs to be improved to ensure the safety, enjoyable times of the shoppers and keeping them coming back. This will be addressed through council meetings to have solutions, actions and resolve this issue.
Do you support high-density housing in your ward?
We do support quality and sustainable housing, and business development for the areas. This should bring jobs and income for the locals. We are keen on improving the night-time economy for the areas as well.
Nguyen Khang Phan – Independent
Nguyen Khang Phan is an independent candidate hoping to secure a position on Fairfield council. He is running alongside Van Dong Pham, Thanh Dan Huynh, Duc Thang Tran, Van Sai Truong and Kim Khanh Vo.
Parks Ward
Frank Carbone – Independent
My focus is cost of living pressures and making Fairfield a great place to live.
We have achieved the lowest rates in our region and $500m for Fairfield Hospital upgrade through our community petition and from next year achieved free access to MRI scans for residents.
We have also built the best free parks in Sydney, keeping our community active and healthy alongside any free services, including free pools and bus for those with disabilities and pensioners.
Our council has the best waste service, a green bin and unlike other councils, we have kept the big red bin.
We are building an entertainment and expo precinct, sporting hub and continue to invest in a beautification program for our city.
In housing, our residents have done more than their fair share, but we have approved more housing through our local environmental plan in our town centres, if supported by State Government infrastructure.
But we will maintain the character of our beautiful suburbs and existing quality of life for residents.
Implemented a first home buyers grant for new home buyers, funded by developer contributions, providing more affordable housing for young families, while freeing up existing housing.
If elected, I will continue to deliver to make our city a better place to live for everyone.
Kevin Lam – Australian Women’s Party
Kevin Lam is a sitting councillor on Fairfield council. He is running alongside Andrew Rohan, Marsha Kozlova-Gao, Monica Falco, Valentina Prkic, Jose Luis Miranda Garcia.
Ninos Khoshaba – Labor Party
Ninos Khoshaba is the lead Labor candidate aiming to secure a spot as a councillor. He is running alongside Basim Shamaon, Peter Pavisic, Abrahem Wannous, Jarrod Hawkins, and Inocenta Janina Marco.
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