Federal Election 2019: Parramatta candidates’ war of words

The battle to be the next Parramatta federal MP has heated up in the dying days of the campaign, with the Liberal and Labor candidates engaged in a war of words.

Liberal candidate Charles Camenzuli at Parramatta prepoll yesterday, ahead of the Federal Election on Saturday. Picture: Jordan Shields

• Labor candidate Julie Owens profile
• Liberal candidate Charles Camenzuli profile
• Greens candidate Phil Bradley profile

A war of words has broken out between the leading Parramatta candidates in the final week of the Federal Election campaign, amid claims the west has fallen behind on the sitting Labor MP’s watch.

Liberal candidate Charles Camenzuli accused ALP opponent Julie Owens of failing to deliver “any meaningful projects” since she first won the seat in 2004.

Voters queued up at Parramatta prepoll on Church St yesterday. Picture: Jordan Shields

“The mood is for change here after 15 years of neglect in the electorate because of the inactive member,” Mr Camenzuli said at the Parramatta prepoll yesterday, where many locals were among the 2.6 million Australians who have already voted.

“The good work of (Parramatta state Liberal MP) Geoff Lee has brought billions of dollars in upgrades for the area, but federally, there’s been no advocate for Parramatta.

“If I get elected on Saturday, I’d like to see more federal funding come into Parramatta. And we also have to reduce congestion and improve schooling in the west.”

Labor candidate Julie Owens at Parramatta prepoll yesterday. Picture: Jordan Shields

Ms Owens hit back, saying it was the Coalition Government which had let down the electorate over the past six years.

“I can’t think of any delivery for Parramatta during this time,” she said.

“Before that, under Labor we had significant funding for Western Sydney University and local schools. And, unlike the Coalition, we have committed $3 billion to the Metro West rail line, from Parramatta to the city. It’s a really important project.”

Julie Owens talks with a voter yesterday. Picture: Jordan Shields

Asked what her confidence levels of victory were in her sixth election campaign, Ms Owens said: “I take nothing for granted.

“I try to do my job and let voters do their job on election day.”

PARRAMATTA SEAT PROFILE

Candidates (in ballot paper order)

Charles Camenzuli (Liberal)

Julie Owens (Labor)

Ganesh Sahadev Loke (United Australia Party)

Phil Bradley (Greens)

Asma Payara (Christian Democratic Party)

Oscar Grenfell (Socialist Equality Party)

Betting: Labor $1.07 Coalition $4.50 Greens $41 (Sportsbet); Labor $1.02 Coalition $12 Greens $41 (Ladbrokes)

By the numbers

7.7: The percentage margin that Ms Owens holds the seat

13: The number of federal MPs that Parramatta has had since federation in 1901

57: The sqkm of the electorate which includes the suburbs of Oatlands, Dundas, Toongabbie, Wentworthville, and parts of Granville, Blacktown, Parramatta, Dundas, North Rocks and Carlingford

History: Ms Owens has held the seat since the 2004 election. Previous members include Liberals Ross Cameron (1996-2004) and Phillip Ruddock (1973-77)

Fun fact: Sir Joseph Cook was Parramatta MP from 1901-21 and, as leader of the Liberal Party, served as the sixth Australian Prime Minister for two years (1913-14).

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