Meet Cabramatta’s new MP Tri Vo and Fairfield’s new MP Dave Saliba

Fairfield’s first new MP in 12 years has declared he is his own man, as he looks to make his mark on the southwest Sydney electorate.

Former President of the Vietnamese Community in Australia and current Cabramatta MP, Tri Vo.

Fairfield’s first new MP in 12 years has declared he is his own man, as he looks to make his mark on the southwest Sydney electorate.

Dave Saliba, who previously served as a federal agent in the Australian Federal Police and Army Reserve captain, said he was excited to serve the community after polling 72 per cent of the first preference vote.

His election came following the retirement of long-serving Labor MP Guy Zangari, who represented the electorate since 2011.

Mr Saliba said the Fairfield community was his family.

“This is my family, the people are my family, my neighbours and I want to make Fairfield better,” he said.

Fairfield MP, Dave Saliba.

When asked if he felt pressure following in the footsteps of Mr Zangari, the new MP said he was his “own person”.

“I’ve had my own experiences,” he said. “My focus isn’t on other politicians, it’s on Fairfield and it starts with Fairfield Hospital and making sure the $115m commitment is delivered.

“That hospital is going to save lives, it’s an important piece of infrastructure for the community.”

“I need to put the community first and to do that I have to work with all possible stakeholders to deliver for the people of Fairfield.”

Meet Cabramatta’s new Labor MP

Labor has retained its heartland seat of Cabramatta with new MP Tri Vo eager to represent his community.

Mr Vo outpolled Liberal rival Courtney Nguyen to win the redistributed seat by 64 per cent.

Despite the “exhausting” campaign, Mr Vo said he was eager to serve the people of Cabramatta.

“I’m very happy but it hasn’t quite sunk in yet. I’m just happy it’s (the election) over,” he said.

“Cabramatta is very special to me and it’s a privilege to be representing my community.”

Mr Vo said the lead up to the election was “exhausting” following the four week window between internal Cabramatta Labor branch preselections and the final polls.

“It feels like we had two elections,” he said.

Cabramatta Labor MP, Tri Vo. Picture: Supplied.

In his first 100 days as Cabramatta MP, Mr Vo said his first job will be to follow up on Labor’s $115m funding promise to Fairfield Hospital – dubbed Sydney’s “forgotten hospital.”

“I will focus my energy on following up that the funds are given to the hospital over the three year time frame,” he said.

“My three children were born there so it means a lot to not only me, but to the community.”

Mr Vo said he was also eager to meet with community leaders and groups.

“Other issues people have raised are the train timetables, a focus on small businesses and car parks as we can’t seem to have enough for the growing number of people visiting the area.”

In his new role, Mr Vo said he was looking forward to working with other community leaders to ensure Cabramatta gets the funding it needs.

“Our state and federal government are both Labor and we will work with Fairfield City councillors and hopefully we’re all on the same page,” he said.

“Whether we’re state, federal or local councillors our purpose is the same, to serve our people.”