Federal Election 2019: Parramatta pub test on key issues

A range of issues came up in our pub test on what matters to voters in western Sydney ahead of the Federal Election.

Election pub talk: Richard Smith and Lee Del Pizzo at the Royal Oak Hotel in Parramatta this week. (AAP IMAGE/Jordan Shields)

Punters have revealed education and heritage issues are among the most important issues to them when we applied a Parramatta pub test this week — just a handful of days out from the Federal Election.

Three undecided voters, enjoying a drink at the Royal Oak Hotel, each said they expected more from both major political parties.

Richard Smith, of North Parramatta, said he would probably vote for Labor because “my perception is they are more interested in improving education” and “humanitarian issues”.

Richard Smith and Lee Del Pizzo talking election issues at the historic Royal Oak Hotel.

“I’m focused on the bigger issues,” Mr Smith said. “Australia is a wealthy nation and we have an international responsibility to look after people and better welcome them here.”

Lee Del Pizzo, of Parramatta, said local politicians should be focusing more on heritage issues.

“It’s a state issue, but a federal member can stand up for our history like keeping the Royal Oak (set to be demolished in the light rail works),” Mr Del Pizzo said. “Parramatta is a great heritage area and we need all politicians to make sure we keep our character.”

Liz Kew, of North Parramatta, said she was “very disappointed” with the calibre of leaders of both major parties.

“It’s been a long time — perhaps back to Malcolm Fraser 40 years ago — when I felt proud to say ‘he’s our guy’ on the world stage,” Ms Kew said.

“Everyone’s just knifing each other’s back.”