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

My community in Fowler is navigating the cost-of-living crisis and persistent inflation. People are struggling. They're facing rising energy costs, and many simply cannot afford to turn on the air conditioning, especially when the heat hits. Think about this: Sydney reached 42 degrees twice in January this year. That has not happened in 13 years. While people in other parts of the city were cooling off, families in my electorate were stuck indoors worrying about their power bills. This is the result of political neglect.

Look at WestInvest. It was meant to transform Western Sydney, yet, despite Fowler being one of the hottest and fastest-growing regions in the state, we were overlooked. Our community called for new aquatic facilities. We fought for them, and those calls went unheard. While other suburbs received significant funding, we did not. That sends a message to my constituents that we are treated as second-class citizens. They do not deserve to be left behind while others receive the lion's share of investment.

That's why I want to acknowledge Fairfield City Council and Mayor Frank Carbone for the beach bus initiative. It's a free service connecting Fowler to Bondi, Manly and Watsons Bay. For many in my community, a day at the beach is usually out of reach. It is not just the distance; it's the cost. Tolls, fuel and parking can easily add up to around $100. For families already stretched, that is simply unaffordable.

But this responsibility should not fall on local government alone. For too long, south-western Sydney has missed out on the transport and infrastructure investment it needs. The people of Fowler work hard. We pay our taxes, and they keep this state running every day. We deserve to see that contribution returned in meaningful investment in infrastructure that makes life easier, whether to travel, work or live.

Our region is the powerhouse of this state's workforce, and the mums and dads should be acknowledged for that. We should not be a divided city. We should be a united one, where everyone shares in the opportunity of this great city, from the beaches of the east to the culturally rich suburbs of the west. In Fowler, two-thirds of our residents speak a language other than English at home and more than half of the population was born overseas. Ours is a story of resilience and aspiration. It reflects modern Australia. So my message to the government is simple: do not just turn up before an election with headline announcements. Deliver the infrastructure and support that ensure communities like mine are not left behind.