Liz Scully and Durga Owen make political run for western Sydney
The Labor candidates for Seven Hills and Parramatta might be new to state politics but they are no strangers when it comes to activism.
Parramatta
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On paper the state Labor candidates for Parramatta and Seven Hills are almost identical.
Liz Scully and Durga Owen are both mothers of three, work in education and live in the electorates they hope to represent.
While the state election in March will be the first time either woman steps into the political ring, it is not the first time they have chosen to taken a stand.
“We’ve been activists for a while,” Mrs Scully said.
“I have been, and am, a part of the North Parramatta Residents’ Action Group so I’m not new to standing up for issues.”
Mrs Scully said she had strong understanding of the issues that mattered most to locals.
“Whether it’s the pricey M4 toll, overcrowded schools, unacceptable hospital waiting lists, the disgraceful demolition of Parramatta War Memorial Pool or threats to Parramatta’s heritage, I’m ready to stand up for our community and for a fairer NSW.”
Likewise, Mrs Owen has been a community advocate since her school days.
“I have continued to work to preserve our green spaces, heritage sites, youth and disability access and community services,” she said.
“My husband Michael and I live in the electorate and raise our three sons (here).”
Across Sydney, seven women have been preselected in the battleground seats of Parramatta, Riverstone, Oatley, Penrith, Holsworthy, Balmain and Camden ahead of the March election. Across the state’s 93 lower house seats, more than half of Labor’s candidates so far are also women.
In Seven Hills, Mrs Owen will have to oust Liberal Mark Taylor sitting on an 8.8 per cent margin while Mrs Scully will go head to head with Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee who is sitting on a 12.9 per cent margin.
Mrs Scully has had the support of her family, all while managing the campaign from her kitchen table at home.
“Family and friends have been very supportive. I’ve had lots of offers of practical assistance from casseroles to campaign help,” Mrs Scully said.
“In me, they have someone who is prepared to fight for a fair go for our community.”
Mrs Owen believes it’s not just the diversity of the candidates that will bring positive change but the experiences.
“At the heart of success for a member of parliament is putting the community’s interests first,” Mrs Owen said.
“This means protecting our public health system from cuts, building world class schools for our children, and making our community more liveable by protecting open spaces and heritage. This includes making sure our most vulnerable are not left behind, including the homeless, mentally ill, and those doing it tough with the increased cost of living, such as pensioners and young families.
“I have already been doorknocking and at local street stalls and train stations.
“The next state election represents a chance to decide what type of community we want to live in.”