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🇦🇺 Australia /Elections & Politics

Western Sydney MP hints at own version of new political party

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Independent MP Dai Le has suggested she might establish her own political party focused on Western Sydney.
  • This idea emerged following the launch of a new, leaderless federal party, Community Strong Australia, by other Sydney MPs.
  • Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed confidence that public anger over recent tax reforms, including changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax, will subside over time.

Independent Member of Parliament Dai Le has indicated a potential move to form her own political party, specifically championing the interests of Western Sydney. The suggestion arose after the recent launch of Community Strong Australia, a new federal political entity initiated by Sydney MPs Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender, which currently remains without a formal leader.

We've got the Western Sydney Community Party out here, so that has given me some kind of idea what to do.

— Dai LeIndependent MP Dai Le commented on the possibility of forming her own Western Sydney political party.

When questioned about joining the newly formed Community Strong Australia, Dai Le, the MP for Fowler, stated that the initiative has inspired her to consider a similar venture for her region. "We've got the Western Sydney Community Party out here, so that has given me some kind of idea what to do," Le remarked. She emphasized the need for a dedicated 'Western Sydney voice' in politics, suggesting this has sparked a concrete idea for her own party.

Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers addressed public sentiment regarding recent government budget measures. The federal government's proposed changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax, and the introduction of a $250 Working Australian Tax Offset (WATO) recently passed parliament after a deal was struck with the Greens. Chalmers acknowledged the resistance from various communities, particularly small businesses, but expressed optimism that the concerns will diminish.

I think we definitely need a Western Sydney voice, so that's something that it has sparked an idea in me.

— Dai LeIndependent MP Dai Le explained her motivation for considering a new political party focused on Western Sydney.

Chalmers drew parallels to past tax reforms, stating, "Every time there's tax reform, tax reform people say the sky will fall in, people say that it is disastrous, but typically what happens in time is people look back on big tax reform and wonder what all of the fuss is all about and I'm confident that will happen again." He believes that, in time, Australians will look back on these reforms and understand their necessity, similar to previous significant tax adjustments.

Every time there's tax reform, tax reform people say the sky will fall in, people say that it is disastrous, but typically what happens in time is people look back on big tax reform and wonder what all of the fuss is all about and I'm confident that will happen again.

— Jim ChalmersTreasurer Jim Chalmers expressed his confidence that public reaction to tax reforms will eventually calm down.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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