ALP selects Blacktown resident for Chifley

Making sure Sydney’s West gets its fair share of future health funding is the number one priority for incoming ALP candidate for Chifley, Ed Husic.

At the close of nominations at noon on Monday 29 March, Mr Husic was elected unopposed. His preselection follows Roger Price’s announcement that he will not recontest the next federal election.

“It’s an absolute honour to represent the Australian Labor Party in our area as candidate for Chifley – and if elected, I want to be a strong local voice,” Mr Husic said. He also said he believed that there are a number of issues that will demand attention at the next election and beyond – including health and education.

“I’m proud to have grown up, lived and worked locally. As a resident, I have first hand knowledge of the issues affecting families here.” Mr Husic said.

“Improving health-care in this country stands as the biggest challenge confronting all governments and as a community, we need to make sure our local area gets its fair share.”

“I firmly believe that a strong, well-funded public education system helps our country and is a ticket to a better life for our kids. It must be defended and it must be strengthened.”

Mr Husic also paid tribute to Mr Price saying that he had served the families of Chifley for a generation. “Roger has had a fantastic, lasting impact on the electorate – people know he has worked hard and stood up for the community. I’d like the chance to keep doing that for the residents who live in Chifley,” Mr Husic said.

“My approach is to be open and consultative: I’ve spent my working life bringing people together. I’d like residents to see me as a local they can talk to candidly and openly. I want them to feel they can raise their concerns and ideas with their local representative and that their representative will work hard to ensure their views are heard and acted on.”

Updated: 2010-05-02 — 19:01:21