The Labor stronghold will continue to Canterbury and Auburn where the sitting candidates and Labor stalwarts Sophie Cotsis and Lynda Voltz retained their seats, while David Saliba won the vote in Fairfield.
HUMBLED and honoured to have won the confidence of their electorates of Bankstown and Canterbury, Jihad Dib and Sophie Cotsis are getting on with the job to deliver for their communities.
Labor won the State Election with a huge swing against the Coalition and will form a majority government for the first time in 12 years.
Mr Dib said he stood for Parliament because he understood the importance of community and “to receive the support of the community so emphatically was truly humbling”.
“I’ve always stood up for the community and grateful that on Saturday, they stood up for me,” he said.
“While the redistribution caused a lot of confusion in the community, I’m glad to be given the opportunity to represent the suburbs of Bankstown and Yagoona in addition to the suburbs I currently represent.
“Our campaign reflected a positive vision for the Bankstown area and NSW more widely. We saw over the last 12 years what our area missed out on. With a change of government, now the important work of delivery begins.”
Ms Cotsis said she would continue to work with the community and a be strong voice in parliament.
“This win by NSW Labor and Leader Chris Minns will ensure that Canterbury Hospital receives a $225 million upgrade to see the expansion of health services in cardiovascular and diabetes management, 120 extra beds, renal dialysis for the first time, additional operating theatres and birthing rooms,” she said.
“It also means our education system will be better off with 10,000 temporary teaching positions becoming permanent, lifting wages cap off public sector worker wages, introducing a $60 cap on weekly road tolls, supporting domestic manufacturing, and having a greater focus on preserving our environment including local treasures like Wolli Creek Regional Park and Cooks River.”
After being sworn into the top job yesterday, a humble NSW Premier Chris Minns said the work started right away.
“There’s not a moment to lose in delivering on our plans, particularly for essential workers and essential services in health and education,” he said.
Former Bankstown MP Tania Mihailuk will take up a seat in the Legislative Council in May, while the battle continues for East Hills.
