Despite recent controversies, Andrew Charlton is looking to Parramatta’s future, with plans to build a stronger economy should he be elected.
Speaking to Parra News, the recently confirmed Labor Candidate for Parramatta said he is focused on meeting people from across the electorate to understand their issues and present his plan for the city.
“Everybody I speak to is concerned about the financial pressure on families – the cost of childcare, cost of groceries and cost of energy,” Mr Charlton said.
“People want a city where they have the building blocks of opportunity, which means skills, education and good health care.”
As a former economics adviser to Kevin Rudd and the Managing Director of Accenture, it’s no surprise that Mr Charlton is looking to focus on Parramatta’s economy.
“I have spent 20 years of my life as an economist and a business owner building stronger economies and that’s one thing I really want to do in Parramatta,” Mr Charlton said.
“That means creating a real jobs hub in Parramatta with good, high-wage, high-skill jobs and strong small businesses.”
Mr Charlton takes over from long-time MP for Parramatta Julie Owens, following her upcoming retirement. Labor currently holds the seat of Parramatta by a 3.5 per cent margin.
Mr Charlton also revealed he is excited to move from his Bellevue Hill home to Parramatta.
“I’ll be moving here before the election and I’m really looking forward to being part of the community. It’s an incredibly strong community,” Mr Charlton said.
Mr Charlton faced backlash from western Sydney Labor party members after Anthony Albanese decided to parachute him in to the seat of Parramatta, over a diverse range of local branch members.
Acknowledging the divided reaction, Mr Charlton said he recognised how multicultural a city Parramatta is.
“This is one of the most multicultural communities in Australia and the community is very proud of that fact,” Mr Charlton said.
“From my perspective, all I can do is present my experience and my plan for Parramatta and let the voters decide.”
With small business owner Maria Kovacic now confirmed as the Liberal candidate for Parramatta, Mr Charlton said he wishes her, and other candidates, well.
“I’m just going to work as hard as I can,” Mr Charlton said about the upcoming federal election.
“Understanding how to build strong economies, how to strengthen small business and how to create jobs, that’s my real passion.”
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.