NSW Election 2019: Profiles of the candidates running in Cabramatta

Cabramatta’s candidates tell us a bit about themselves and their policies ahead of the competitive NSW Elections.

In the lead up to the NSW Election on March 23, we’ve asked the candidates running in the district of Cabramatta to tell us a bit about themselves and their policies.

The responses of the candidates running – Phuoc Vo as an independent, Dai Le as an independent, incumbent Nick Lalich for Labor, Austin Le for Liberal and Christopher James for The Greens – follow in the order they will appear on the voting ballot.

DAI LE, INDEPENDENT

Cnr Dai Le.

A bit about you:

My family and I fled Saigon in the 1970s and spent several years in refugee camps across Asia, before we eventually settled in Australia. Cabramatta became my home. I worked hard to complete a Political Science degree and was later employed as a journalist at the Fairfield Advance, Fairfield Champion and the ABC. As a working Mother, I try to balance my work and home life, just like every other parent. I have been married to my husband for more the 20 years and we have a teenage son.

Your political background/experience:

When I first came into politics in 2008, our community wanted more parking and so I fought for that – we ended up with more than 1000 extra car spaces. As a Councillor for Fairfield City Council since 2012, I have been privileged to get to know the people in our area; to listen to what is needed and to petition on their behalf.

Top three priorities/issues in your electorate:

The people of Cabramatta have told me what is important to them and their needs have formed the basis of my political platform. Health care and improvement to Fairfield Hospital is high on the list, I will work to re-establish express train services to Cabramatta, and I will continue to work on upgrading our infrastructure, creating employment opportunities, and providing greater accessibility to education opportunities.

NICK LALICH, AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY

Cabramatta MP Nick Lalich speaking at the 50th anniversary school fete at Lansvale East Public in Lansvale, Sydney, Pic: Joel Carrett

A bit about you:

Born in a refugee camp in Egypt to Serbian refugee parents. Moved to Australia at the age of 3 years old, settling and growing up in Bonnyrigg. Nick began work in 1961 and continued working as an electrician for several decades. Nick is a true local having raised his family in our community and still lives here to this day. Nick is passionate about opportunity for all through a quality education and a quality healthcare system that takes care of our community.

Your political background/experience:

Member of the Australian Labor Party since 1971.

Elected to Fairfield City Council in 1987 and served continuously until 2012.

Elected as Mayor of Fairfield City in 1993-1994 and again from 2002-2012. First popularly elected Mayor of Fairfield City.

Elected to state parliament as Member for Cabramatta in 2008.

Elected as Opposition Whip of the Labor Opposition following the 2015 state election.

Member of the Electrical Trades Union since 1961.

Top three priorities/issues in your electorate:

1. Car parking

2. To keep cost of living pressures and electricity prices under control.

3. Funding for Schools and Hospitals over Stadiums.

AUSTIN LE, LIBERAL PARTY

Austin Le is running for Liberal in the district of Cabramatta.

A bit about you:

I was born and raised in the Fairfield community, so I am passionate about the future of south-west Sydney. I am currently studying law and commerce at the University of NSW. If elected, I will fight to ensure Cabramatta receives its fair share of the NSW Liberals & Nationals record investments in school, hospital and transport infrastructure.

Your political background/experience:

While I’m younger than many of the other candidates, I believe my youth gives me a unique perspective and a different way of looking at decision making for the community.

Top three priorities/issues in your electorate:

1. Infrastructure, specifically transport infrastructure.

2. Unemployment

3. Congestion

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CHRISTOPHER JAMES, GREENS

Christopher James is running for The Greens in the district of Cabramatta. Pic: Supplied

A bit about you:

I’m a first generation Australian, born to Fijian and English parents. Growing up with my cultural background helped me appreciate the multicultural nature of Cabramatta and Western Sydney, but ultimately it was the authenticity of the people in Cabramatta that made me fall in love with the area. I currently work for a not for profit in the disability sector and my passions include gardening, reading and playing league of legends.

Your political background/experience:

Aside from my experience running as a candidate for Parramatta Council elections, I have served as co-secretary of the Australian young greens from 2016 to 2017 and also as deputy returning officer for NSW Greens.

Top three priorities/issues in your electorate:

1. Lower the cost of living.

2. Fight for better funding for Fairfield hospital, particularly for the mental health unit.

3. Stop the privatisation of public transport and Tollways in Cabramatta. With the high rate development in Cabramatta we need to ensure we have a high quality public transport system to deal with increased amount of travellers.

Other candidates running in Cabramatta who have yet to respond:

PHUOC VO, INDEPENDENT