The Federal Election will be decided this weekend and the candidates for Parramatta have had their final say on why they should be elected to represent the area.
Labor has held the seat of Parramatta since 2004 and had current Federal Member Andrew Charlton elected in 2022 by a 3.7 per cent margin.
Charlton is going after a second term in the federal seat and said the community should trust in his commitment to the area.
“Because I’ve delivered,” Charlton said.
“Two new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, major upgrades to Toongabbie and Epping bridges, and better parks, roads, and safety across our suburbs.
“I don’t just promise, I work with you to deliver for Parra.”
If re-elected Charlton promised better amenities in the community and a strong backing for local businesses.
“More homes, better services, safer streets. I’ll keep driving local investment,” Charlton said.
“From better roads and parks to affordable childcare and $25 scripts, because families like mine and yours deserve support that makes everyday life easier.
“I’ve also run a business – I get it. I know the pressures, the risks, and the hustle. That’s why I’ll keep backing local small businesses and fighting to power up Parramatta’s economy from the ground up.”
Liberal candidate Katie Mullens has her sights set on disrupting the Labor stronghold in Parramatta, saying if elected she will work towards providing relief for the community including major infrastructure upgrades.
“I’ll be a strong voice that fights for immediate cost-of-living relief and the kind of infrastructure investment a growing community like ours needs and has been missing out on under the Albanese Labor Government,” Mullens said.
“A Liberal Government will invest in projects locals have been crying out for, including road upgrades that get you home sooner and safer, better sporting fields and facilities, and a $5 million investment in headspace Parramatta that will ensure about 1800 more young people get the local support they need.
“I’ve fought for funding to fix some of the worst intersections in the area like Moseley Street and Evans Road on Pennant Hills Road in Carlingford and the intersection of Kissing Point Road and Quarry Road in Dundas.
“We’ll also back a $25 million investment to upgrade Wentworth Avenue to address issues at the Toongabbie Bridge.
“We’ll invest in sporting fields and facilities desperately in need of upgrades like Sir Thomas Mitchell Reserve, Dundas, and Binalong Park, Old Toongabbie; better lighting for Harold West Reserve, Carlingford; and upgrades to shelter and amenities at Rydalmere Park.
“We’ll also invest in projects that allow our community to come together like a multipurpose community hall at the Murugan Temple in Mays Hill and a piazza and ANZAC Memorial at Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral in Harris Park.
“Most of all people can count on me to genuinely listen to our community and fight for what we need. Parramatta is not just a seat for me, it’s my home and I want to see it thrive.”
In total, eight candidates will feature on the ballot paper for the seat of Parramatta on Saturday, including One Nation, The Greens, Libertarians, Trumpet of Patriots and independents.
