Dai Le (Fowler, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

We're about to hear another budget. I could be wrong, but I sense there won't be much in it for the people of Fowler or south-west Sydney. Last year the government had a surplus—a rare opportunity to invest in our communities—but they didn't. Now with a forecast deficit, what can they promise us? More importantly, what will they actually deliver? We've heard the big announcements. There's $1 billion to buy land in Campbelltown for a train line that won't be built for decades, if ever—not in our lifetime—and Metrowest is delayed again. There are billions spent elsewhere while south-west Sydney is once again forgotten. Our community has helped settle thousands of migrants and refugees, yet we're still waiting for new train lines, proper health services and real infrastructure. Governments keep placing people in our suburbs without building the support around them. They make decisions about us, not with us, yet my community will welcome any bill relief—they're doing it tough. But, let's be honest, a rebate is not a plan; it's a sugar hit to distract from the decades of neglect. My office has handled over 7,000 cases. We've launched a mobile outreach program, including Bring Your Bill Day, because my community deserves visibility, respect and action.

This election isn't about parties. It's about who listens, who shows up and who delivers. I'll keep fighting for my community in Fowler. They will not be ignored, not again.