NSW Election 2023: Labor dominates Parramatta

The failed Parramatta Liberal candidate has hit back after sources from her own party claimed she was a mute candidate. The remarks come after Labor’s resounding victory in the seat.

Failed Parramatta Liberal candidate Katie Mullens has hit back after sources claimed she was one of western Sydney’s mute candidates during the state election.

Labor’s resounding victory in Parramatta has left their rivals reeling after a shock swing against the party for the first time in more than a decade.

A Liberal has blasted the party for its treatment of Parramatta, which has recorded a hefty 14.8 per cent following Labor’s Donna Davis claiming victory.

On Wednesday, with 52.5 per cent of the vote counted, Mrs Davis led by 3823 votes (58.3 per cent).

The source, who wished to remain anonymous, attacked the party for fielding “mute’’ candidates in western Sydney, and said they needed to be more vocal and fight against rising interest rates, high rents, struggling small businesses and its treatment of the region during lockdown.

“The people of Parramatta wanted them to call out the issues,’’ the source said.

“I think we had a series of mute candidates and that will never suffice, particularly for the people of western Sydney.

Former Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee with Katie Mullens during prepoll at Ermington Community Centre. Picture: Julian Andrews

“They know what they want – their struggles are real.’’

The source continued to criticise the party for not having a strategy at Wentworth Point, which is plagued by lack of services and public transport.

Ms Mullens defended her candidacy.

“I think anyone who’s followed my campaign could not credibly say that I was mute and didn’t stand up for the community,’’ she said.

“I’ve been out in the community all day every day from 6.30 in the morning at train stations and streets stalls doorknocking.

“I’ve had multiple interviews with journalists, including some TV interviews … so I definitely have not been mute during this time.’’

Ms Mullens also cited Parramatta MP Geoff Lee’s retirement and the pursuit of an “unprecedented 16 years” in office as factors for the huge loss.

But the anonymous source said party members had been alarmed at the huge swing to Labor, which is now in office for the first time in 12 years.

“(The swing) is worrrying,’’ the source said.

The bloodbath was despite Parramatta being the most frequently-visited electorate by Premier Dominic Perrottet who made big-ticket promises including a $111m PCYC, $5m for the Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite community and a pledge to save the Roxy theatre – which Labor has matched.

“Unlike any other western Sydney seat, I don’t know if any other elector has been the benefactor of the same infrastructure,’’ the source said.

NSW Liberal Party president Maria Kovacic was more charitable about the campaign.

Along with the exit of the “incredibly popular” Mr Lee, she said the redistribution of the seat favoured Labor.

Parramatta Labor’s Donna Davis and federal MP Andrew Charlton enter Rosehill Bowling Club after winning the election.

Mrs Davis raced away to a convincing victory with 47.56 per cent of the vote at last count.

Saturday’s victory rounds out the red wave that has swept Parramatta since January last year when Mrs Davis was elected Parramatta Lord Mayor and the council became a Labor-dominated chamber.

Just 10 months ago, Ms Kovacic lost a tilt for the federal seat against Labor’s Andrew Charlton.

Despite Ms Kovacic saying “Katie ran a really, really strong race” it was not enough for the low-profile candidate to break Labor’s stride.

She said Labor’s dominance in Parramatta means it’s where the party needed to concentrate its efforts

“ … We take Parramatta seriously and we think it’s an important seat at a state and federal level,’’ she said.
“It’s somewhere we’ll continue to work and work harder to demonstrate what we have to offer to the community so it’s an opportunity to reflect and reset, in my view.’’