Dai Le
Fowler · Independent · Australia
“Sometimes it is measured in language, in cultural unfamiliarity and in the absence of services that actually reflect the community they are supposed to serve. My second amendment embeds a requirement that appropriate treatment must be linguistically and culturally accessible at the person's geographical location.”
“The language a person speaks at home is one of the most important factors in how they express their needs, understand their rights and advocate for themselves or their loved ones. Language forms the bridge between all of us socially, culturally and emotionally.”
“by leave—I move amendments (1) to (3) circulated in my name together: (1) Schedule 1, item 4, page 4 (line 23), after "circumstances", insert "(other than the person's linguistic environment)".”
“Australians living with disability deserve a scheme that is trusted, well managed and sustainable. But sustainability and financial viability cannot come at the cost of fairness, and they certainly should not be achieved by pushing the most vulnerable participants into greater uncertainty or into a system of bureaucracy that is harder to…”
“The system must be able to respond to the lived experience of people on the ground, not just assumptions built into centrally designed guidelines. Taken together, these amendments rest on one principle: the NDIS must be as diverse as the people it serves.”
“They are an attempt to make it work for the people who will be hurt most if we get this wrong. I have moved these amendments not to stop reform but to make sure reform is fair, inclusive, practical and safe for people living with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people from low socioeconomic background…”
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“Groups like the Vietnamese Elderly Friendship Association and the Vietnamese Community in Australia became vital platforms for advocacy and change. Just this past weekend, along with Mayor Frank Carbone, I was honoured to present council's commemorative banner to the organisers, the VCA NSW Chapter and their president Thang Ha, who held a grand festival to mark the 50th anniversary. The banner, flown across all 28 suburbs across Fairfield City, incorporated the Australian flag, the South Vietnamese heritage flag—yellow and three red stripes—and images of both Australian and South Vietnamese soldiers. It is a beautiful symbol of shared history and enduring connection. I want to acknowledge and thank the Fairfield City Council and the mayor for their acknowledgement and for doing this for our community.”
“April this year marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon, a moment that began the journey of Vietnamese settlement in Australia. That date in April 1975 started my four-year odyssey journey. Like millions of others, my family became boat people facing the terror of the South China Sea. I still vividly remember boarding the escape with my mother and sisters. My mother was a typical Vietnamese mother: firm and never wanting to show emotion. She passed away two years ago. Her courage to make that journey is the reason I stand here today, and I'm grateful for that. The story of the Vietnamese community is one of unrelenting resilience and undeniable contribution. When we resettled we didn't just survive; we thrived.”
“I want to talk about something that sits in the heart of the committee in Fowler, the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese settlement in Australia. There is no place where this story is more alive than in my electorate of Fowler, the heart of the Vietnamese Australian story. Just as we heard from the member for Hotham, the amazing Vietnamese contribution to rebuilding and building Australia has to be acknowledged. In my electorate, 18.9 per cent of residents identify with Vietnamese ancestry. The significance of this milestone is never lost on me, a Vietnamese refugee who has the immense honour of serving as the first Vietnamese Australian federal member of parliament and re-elected to my second term as an independent in what was once Labor's heartland. My own journey is a testament to the enduring promise of this nation.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, recent media reports state that your government had no involvement in bringing back the ISIS affiliated group. My community in Fowler is home to large Syrian, Chaldean, Mandaean and Hasidic communities, who all have been persecuted and subjected to genocide by the ISIS regime, and they are rightly terrified. Will your government give my community in Fowler an absolute guarantee that none of the returned ISIS affiliated women and children will be settled in our community?”
“Many indispensable skills are not taught in school, and this can make students oblivious to the requirements of contemporary society. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare states "Of people who completed vocational education or training in 2019, 56% of people reported better employment after training." Imagine this statistic but the training was already provided in schools, this would help students leave school feeling more assertive and self-assured. Let's be honest, this idea is not revolutionary, it is an investment to encourage students to go into industries feeling more comfortable and confident. This isn't about making school easier, it is about making it more relevant and giving students the tools to build their own futures.”
“I want to congratulate all the students who participated in the Raise Our Voice in Parliament initiative. I'll read out the winning speech from Fowler by a 14-year-old constituent of mine, Jasmine Houng Giang of Canley Vale High School. As a young Australian student, I would like to address a critical concern: The Australian curriculum is one that is tremendously outdated and creating a generation of unaware students. My generation is the most digitally connected to date, but we are not effectively taught how to use technology to its fullest extent. I propose that the Australian government provide more funding for vocational courses, workshops and external opportunities, to help students develop everyday skills to resolve real world issues.”
“It gave me a voice, a home and a future. Every child in Fowler and across Australia deserves the same opportunity. Let us rebuild an education system that opens doors once more, not just for some but for all, because when we invest in education we don't just transform individual lives; we strengthen the very future of our nation. To every student, teacher and parent I've met across Fowler: thank you for reminding me every day why education matters. Your passion and perseverance are what make our community strong. Our young people deserve no less.”
“Travel, uniforms, tools and unpaid placements are forcing many to drop out before they finish. Rizki Deni from my Fowler Youth Advisory Committee said: The value of education shouldn't be measured only by how useful it is to the job market, but by how it helps us contribute to humanity. Our young people are not asking for handouts. They're asking for fairness, for a system that supports them to learn, to work and to build their future. If we truly want to strengthen Australia's skills pipeline, we must rebuild education around three pillars: equity, so that cost is never a barrier; relevance, so that training reflects real-world needs and placements are properly supported; and pathways, so students can move seamlessly between TAFE, university and work without falling into hardship. Education changed my life.”
“In communities like mine, where parents work multiple jobs so their children can study, that damage is deeply personal. These families still believe, as my mother did, that education is the pathway to a better life. But rising fees and ballooning student debt are putting that dream further out of reach. That's why I introduced—and reintroduced—my private member's bill to reverse the unfair fee hike and inequities caused by this scheme. I again call on the Albanese Labor government to support it, because fixing this broken model must be a priority, not an afterthought. Beyond universities, we must look to the young people pursuing TAFE and apprenticeships—the backbone of our future workforce. Apprentices and trainees in Western Sydney tell me they love what they're learning but they're struggling to afford it.”
“It was meant to steer students into areas that the economy needed, like health, teaching and science, by making those degrees cheaper. Instead, by making degrees like the humanities more than double in price, it has left countless Australians burdened with higher debt and fewer choices. I'm not dismissing the importance of business, science or technology. These skills are vital. But why are we penalising students who choose to study the humanities, the arts, philosophy and history? These disciplines teach us to think critically, understand our shared story and build empathy—qualities just as essential to our nation's future as any STEM degree. The universities accord interim report called Job-Ready Graduates a policy that created 'perverse outcomes' and warned it could cause 'long-term damage' to our higher education system.”
“Over the past month, I've attended many year 12 graduations across my electorate of Fowler. Each one was a celebration of that promise—the end of one chapter; the beginning of another. For many of these young people, especially those from migrant and refugee families, education represents hope: the belief that hard work can open doors and that a better life is possible. I saw the pride of parents who came to this country with little but determination now watching their children graduate. It reminded me of my own mother's gratitude that her children could study freely in Australia. But today, for too many families, that door is starting to close. Despite billions spent on education, opportunities are narrowing instead of expanding. One of the clearest examples is the job-ready graduates scheme.”
“Education is the gateway to opportunity, and my presence in this House today is proof of its power to transform a life, a family and a future. When my late mother was given a choice for refugee settlement between the United States and Australia, she chose Australia for one reason: education. I still remember her words: 'Australia is said to have the best education system in the world. That's important for you and your sisters.' That belief shaped everything that followed. Through Australian schools, I learned English, found my voice and built a life of purpose and service. Education gave a refugee girl who once spoke no English the opportunity to stand here as a member of the Australian parliament. That is the promise of education—that every child, no matter where they begin, deserves a chance to reach their full potential.”
“I acknowledge that a cleaner energy path is vital for our nation's future, but that path must deliver real, tangible benefits, not more burdens, to mums, dads and small-business owners who keep our communities running. A fair transition is one that keeps the lights on for everyone; not just in the corporate boardrooms, but in every kitchen, community hall and cafe across Fowler.”
“That is why, in my first term, I launched the Bring Your Bill Day initiative in Fowler—a small act of solidarity to bridge the gap left by Canberra's neglect. Residents bring their electricity or gas bills to our forum, and we sit down with them to help them access rebates, negotiate fairer rates and find real savings. Later this month, we will hold another event, bringing together families, small businesses, energy providers and community not-for-profits, because no-one should be left behind, lost in red tape, when they're fighting to survive. The people of Fowler are resilient. Their endurance is remarkable, but their capacity to absorb higher costs is not infinite.”
“There's no clear plan to guarantee that families and small businesses can afford the power bills that fund these transition line and grid upgrades. Big national targets mean little if Australians in Fowler are forced to choose between switching on the heater or filling their car. Yes, the government has offered relief—a one-off 20 per cent HECS debt cut, which is welcome—but it's a single bandaid on a gaping wound. They promised cheaper child care, but that helps only the one-third of families who use formal care. For the rest, the bills keep rising. Insurance premiums are outpacing wages, and the cost of petrol and bread keeps crushing households' budgets. The result is not just financial stress but an epidemic of exhaustion and anxiety across our suburbs.”
“Yet many now tell me that they're working harder than ever just to stand still. Energy bills are one of the biggest burdens. The latest data shows that the average family electricity bill in New South Wales has soared by more than 20 per cent in just the last 18 months. For a small business, that increase isn't just a percentage; it's the difference between hiring a staff member or closing down. It is a fundamental betrayal of trust when energy—a necessity of modern life—becomes a luxury. Our transition to cleaner energy must be affordable and achievable. The Albanese government's 82 per cent renewable target by 2030 may sound ambitious, but ambition without affordability is ideology not policy.”
“In areas like west Liverpool, where child poverty is at a shocking 35 per cent, this is not just tough; it is a crisis of survival that is stealing futures from our youngest. Families are sacrificing basic necessities just to keep a roof over their heads. Small businesses in Cabramatta, Fairfield and Liverpool are clinging on by sheer willpower. These are shops and cafes built on generations of hard work and sacrifice, yet they now face unprecedented costs for ingredients, freight and insurance. For many, keeping the lights on means working for free. It is heartbreaking to see their struggle, knowing that their hard work is being eroded by forces far beyond their control. In Fowler, diversity isn't a slogan; it is our strength. These are hardworking, family-oriented people who came to Australia for a better future.”
“I rise to share a conversation with a young student in my electorate of Fowler that really moved me. They contacted me recently, telling me that they don't go on school excursions anymore. Their parents can't afford it, but it's more than that. The school itself is cutting back, unable to absorb the rising costs of bus hire, insurance and compliance. These students are now trapped within the classroom walls, missing out on the joy and learning that come from seeing the world beyond. That is the true face of the cost-of-living crisis in Fowler. It is stealing opportunity, joy and education from our children and shrinking the capacity of our schools to deliver a broad and balanced education. Families in my community are at breaking point. Mums and dads are juggling sky-high rents, mortgage repayments and grocery bills.”
“This is a welcome step, but it's not enough for families caught in crisis. Compassionate and emergency visa cases need to be truly prioritised with dedicated staff and fast-tracked decision-making, with clear guidance for everyone involved. No family should be separated by bureaucracy in their darkest hour. Let's act swiftly and humanely. I speak as a mother, daughter, wife and refugee. I know how deeply the ache of separation can run.”
“These delays are not hypothetical; they are happening now with profound emotional and mental health consequences for our constituents. I do understand that the department must maintain proper process and respect the need for strong borders and thorough checks, but the unfortunate reality is that even compassionate or medical emergency provisions are plagued by wide variability in timelines. As of this year, family and carer visas can take up to eight years for processing, and partner visas frequently require 12 to 24 months—sometimes longer. When someone is dying, any delay is a cruelty that the system should not inflict. There has been progress. In 2025, the government began to streamline certain parent visas, introducing online lodgement and moving towards single-stage applications.”
“Her doctors have told her family her time is heartbreakingly short, yet Kim's father and younger brother are still in Vietnam. They remain separated not by choice but by red tape and visa backlogs. Despite our office's best efforts, writing urgent support letters and making phone calls, there are strict limits to what can be achieved on compassion alone. Even when it's a matter of life and death, visa processing for urgent cases can stretch for weeks or even months, robbing families of their chance for a final reunion. Sadly Kim's story is not unique. Another family I represent lost their wife before a compassionate visa decision came through for a loved one overseas. The grief was compounded first by tragedy then by bureaucracy.”
“In my office, I often hear of heartbreaking stories of families torn apart by distance, desperate to be reunited before it's too late. As the member for Fowler, home to Australia's most multicultural and multifaith community, I've witnessed firsthand how family and partner migration visas are amongst the most emotionally charged problems our community faces. These aren't just statistics or case files; these are real people facing moments of crisis. We've heard of stories of families desperate to unite with their loved ones after years torn apart. Every case is a reminder that for many the pain of isolation is deep and personal. One such story is that of my constituent Kim. Kim is bravely fighting a terminal illness.”
“My question is to the Prime Minister. Prime Minister, your government promised Australians that energy bills would go down. Yet, in my electorate, Reni's Bar and Grill has seen its quarterly gas bills jump from $7,000 two years ago, to $9,000 last year, and now to almost $12,000—not even counting electricity or insurance. Prime Minister, isn't it true that your government's approach to net zero is leaving almost zero dollars in the pockets of small businesses and families? And how exactly will the household battery rebate help them?”
“Prime Minister, Western Sydney airport was promised as a gateway for our community, delivering jobs and opportunities. Instead, it looks more like a freight hub dressed up as an airport. Without a metro rail link, we face more trucks on the roads, gridlocked motorways or freeways and a missed chance to build more affordable housing near where people live and work. You promised that under your government no-one would be left behind, so will we finally see a metro for Western Sydney and real connectivity and not just a cargo airport?”
“To build a future where no family is left behind, we must match words with actions, short-term promises with long-term solutions, and demand with supply. My community in Fowler is not asking for another scheme. They're asking for real solutions, so don't give people false hope. I call on both the Labor and Liberals here to stop finger-pointing at one another and to focus on really addressing the issue at hand and focus on policies that are practical, implementable, affordable, accessible and impactful for the Australian people and the Australian economy.”
“Real solutions require investment in building new homes, training local workers and thoughtful, coordinated planning to match migration with infrastructure. Affordable housing is the bedrock of health, education and strong families. I arrived here as a refugee, and I was very lucky back in the days, in the seventies and eighties, when we were able to live in a housing commission. It gave my late mother the opportunity to work in kitchens and restaurants and allowed my sisters and me to work towards buying our first home. Back in those days, a house in our area was around 80 grand to 100 grand or 200 grand. Now it's in the millions. It's really out of reach for any new arrivals, I believe.”
“The five per cent deposit scheme, in an already tight market, will only drive prices higher. The HIA has confirmed that Australia needs at least 83,000 more tradies in the years ahead, just to keep pace with construction needs. When it comes to housing, the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council projects a shortfall of over 200,000 homes by the end of the decade. Some industry bodies warn the real gap could be up to 400,000 dwellings. The government's own target of 1.2 million new homes by 2030 looks increasingly out of reach, while these workforce and supply constraints go unaddressed. So let's be honest. The five per cent deposit scheme by itself is not a solution. It's a demand booster—a headline, not a fix.”
“If you don't have infrastructure, we won't be able to address housing shortages in addition to workforce shortages. Migration is another dimension. Migration is one of our greatest strengths. It fills skills gaps, grows our economy and enriches our communities. Electorates like Fowler are evidence of that. Our wonderful multicultural community contributes greatly to our diverse economy, our city, our community, our state and our nation. But, when growth outpaces planning and investment in schools, hospitals, transport and especially housing, the affordability squeeze intensifies. My constituents see this every day. Poor planning means rents and house prices spike, and both new arrivals and long-term residents struggle. In last week's Housing Industry Association forum, industry leaders were clear.”
“You don't need to be an economist to see the flaw. When you add demand to a market that's already short on supply, prices will certainly rise. The Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute highlights this repeatedly. Treasury and the Housing Industry Association both project it could take three to six years for any real supply response, if it comes at all. In the meantime affordability only worsens. This isn't a theory for the people of Fowler. In my community, overcrowding, rising rents and a shortage of new homes are daily realities. Quick fixes don't ease that pressure. What families need are long-term investments in new supply, local infrastructure and genuine affordability measures. I have mentioned over and over again: infrastructure is critical for any housing development.”
“Yes, families may save $21,000 to $28,000 on mortgage insurance, but many will watch their home's price climb quite significantly, leaving them worse off. Apparently research from Professor Chris Leishman at the University of South Australia forecasts similar impacts. Deposit schemes can drive prices up by seven to 10 per cent, and international evidence from New Zealand shows that, when deposit access was eased, prices soared and homeownership among young people actually fell. Another thing is: why 1 October? What's this need to announce that, from 1 October, people can finally save up a deposit of five per cent? Can people realise how difficult it is for people to save up five per cent in the first place for a medium house in Fowler, currently around $1 million? For electorates like mine it's going to be a huge challenge.”
“I have constantly spoken in this house about the need to address the lack of supply, the infrastructure that we need—the roads, the public transport such as the east-west metro to connect south-west Sydney to the Western Sydney International Airport. We need to address all the infrastructure before we actually build homes. Evidence backs this up. Independent modelling from the Insurance Council of Australia and Lateral Economics warns this expansion could push house prices up by as much as 10 per cent, and we have heard that from the member for Kennedy. Entry-level homes, where first home buyers compete, will see the steepest hikes, with price rises of between 3.5 per cent and 6.6 per cent nationally and even higher in our capital cities.”
“But in my electorate residents are asking, 'If we're struggling to save five per cent, how will we ever manage the remaining 95 per cent of mortgage debt and the decades of interest that will follow?' Over a 25- to 30-year loan the bank stands to earn hundreds of thousands in interest while homeowners bear enormous financial risk. This five per cent doesn't really fix the root problem, which is supply. The five per cent doesn't even guarantee that you can actually buy the house, because the bank still has to assess the serviceability of your loan and your ability to pay it. What we're really seeing is a scheme that supercharges demand but does nothing for supply.”
“Obviously everybody in this house is really passionate about addressing this housing shortage crisis that, at the moment, we are all hearing about from our community. I have no doubt that many members of the House here either own their house outright or have a small mortgage, so it's probably not as big a challenge for many of us in this house as it is for the rest of the Australian population. The government's new five per cent housing deposit scheme is being championed as a breakthrough for first home buyers. With years shaved off deposit savings, no lenders mortgage insurance and no income cap it really sounds terrific. It's easy to see the appeal. Just a five per cent deposit and you're told you can finally buy that home. On paper it's a dream come true.”
“I also want to acknowledge the work of the National Leadership Forum, who'll be gathering here this week from tomorrow—a program that inspires and encourages young people to engage in politics and their communities. Since my first term, I have proudly nominated and financially supported young people from Fowler to participate in the forum, including some of our local businesses, such as the Cabra golf club, who have committed to support these young people. It is vital that our young people are not left behind when it comes to accessing opportunities that will develop their leadership skills and enable them to give back to our wonderful community and nation.”
“It is a privilege to be in this House and to shine a light on the young people in my community of Fowler. In July, I attended a look-and-learn barbering workshop at St Johns Park High School, where students explored a rewarding career path with MJ, whose barbering journey began long before he arrived here in Australia as a refugee in 2011. I thank Principal Steven Mosidis and Nicholas Chambour, head teacher for careers and educational pathways, of the Cowpasture Network, for creating this important opportunity. July also marked the reformation of my Fowler Youth Advisory Committee, which I established when I was first elected to engage with young people in my community. This term's 23 young leaders will meet bimonthly to share the issues facing our youth and give me valuable feedback on legislation debated here.”
“Their commitment to our country's values and freedoms deserves our highest recognition. I want to sincerely thank Canley Heights RSL and Sporting Club president, Ennio Facchetti, and the board of directors, along with sub-branch president Richard Pritchard—he's known as Taffy—as well as Geoff Lewsam and Michael Thai for their tireless efforts in organising this meaningful annual event for our community.”
“I attended the Vietnam Veterans' Day event at Canley Heights RSL and Sporting Club last week. Also known as Long Tan Day, this important occasion solemnly reminds us of the courage, sacrifice and resilience of Australian servicemen and women who served in the Vietnam War. It marks the Battle of Long Tan, where our soldiers showed extraordinary bravery in the face of immense adversity. But Long Tan Day is about more than just remembering a battle. It is a time to recognise the ongoing contributions of and challenges faced by Vietnam veterans and their families, who have given so much for our nation. As the member for Fowler, a community enriched by diverse stories of service and sacrifice, I express my deep respect and gratitude to the veterans who gathered at Canley Heights RSL and Sporting Club.”
“Whether it's helping seniors find connection, celebrating the milestones of our multicultural communities or welcoming new Australians, these moments remind us all of what makes Fowler and, of course, Australia so special, so inclusive and so multicultural. To every individual, family and community group working to lift one another up, I say thank you. Together we are stronger.”
“We began with a moving mass at Our Lady of Mt Carmel in Mt Pritchard and then gathered at the Timor Chinese Association of NSW for a lively celebration. It was a special moment, too, for me to reconnect with Agio Pereira, now minister of state for East Timor, whom I first met and interviewed decades ago during his country's fight for independence. The resilience and generosity of the Timorese people have enriched Fowler and south-west Sydney for half a century, and their contribution continues to inspire us. This week I also had the privilege of welcoming nearly 800 new citizens at ceremonies across Fairfield, Liverpool and Cumberland councils. For many of us, including me, that citizenship certificate is more than just a document; it's a symbol of belonging, opportunity and a fresh start in the Australian story.”
“Last week I had the privilege of visiting Scalabrini's Live Easy social hub, where I got to meet amazing seniors living in our wonderful and diverse community of Fowler. Scalabrini is a not-for-profit organisation, which initiated this seniors program that brings together older people from Filipino, Spanish and Italian backgrounds to connect and stay active, like 95-year-old Rosina Trabbia. It's a simple thing, but it reminded me just how important staying connected is for keeping people healthy and happy. They're looking to expand this initiative further to other cultural groups. I also had the pleasure of joining our Timorese community to commemorate 50 years since the first Timorese refugees found safety here in Australia and in my community of Fowler.”
“I will be there to serve them and will continue to be a strong voice, to ensure that we get the resources we need, especially for our local councils—Fairfield and Liverpool city—to ensure that we can deliver the infrastructure that we need for our community. Once again, I want to thank my councillor colleagues, my team of volunteers and my staff for their continuing service to our community during that very challenging time. I will be in this place and I will continue to shout very loudly and strongly for my community, to ensure that services and resources get delivered eventually for my wonderful community.”
“I will keep going, because Fowler deserves nothing less. I also want to add that I know that the previous speaker, the member for Lingiari, talked about the brethren. During the pre-poll, our experience of the brethren was different. They fed everybody—Labor, Independent and everybody. So there was food every day for us. And the young men and women who came to pre-poll were very friendly. Election time and pre-poll time can be very testing and can challenge our patience. It can draw people into a fighting mode. But we try to be as civilised and as courteous as possible. Our experience in Fowler was that we were overfed with pizza, donuts and meat pies every day. I just want to take this opportunity to thank my community—those who voted for me and those who didn't vote for me.”
“To my family—my son, Ethan Lambert, who has been handing out how to vote cards since he was seven years of age, and my husband, Markus, who backed my campaign from our family mortgage: thank you for your unwavering belief. To my sisters Vi, Jaycie, Thuy Vi and Mellany, and their families—Alan, Jade, Tara, Anderson: thank you for standing by me at every election. To the local businesses and community groups who donated, mobilised and shared your belief: I couldn't have done this without you. In those final weeks, every night, as I meditated to YouTube's free meditation channels, I was bombarded by Labor attack ads claiming that a vote for me was a vote for Dutton. Yet I found calm amid the storm, drawing strength from quiet reflection and a deep belief in the work I do for this community I serve.”
“To some of the campaign volunteers have been with me on this journey for years—Julius Emmanuel Ang, Ed Jones, Lith and Holly Khorn, Sue Lee Lim, Evin Yalda, Gary Pham, Jose Miranda Garcia, Trinh Mai Guico, Dennis Suro: thank you for your trust and faith in me. And there are many more volunteers that I have not been able to name. To my councillor colleagues—Kevin Lam, Charbel Saliba, Marie Saliba, Samir Yousif, Milan Milasovic, Michael Mijatovic, Reni Barkho, and especially our mayor, Frank Carbone: thank you for standing with me. The mayor stood beside me and fought every day during the pre-poll. And thank you to all those who volunteer with me as well.”
“The people of Fowler sent me back to keep speaking up, and I will—not for corporations, CEOs or boardrooms, but for the everyday Australians who power this country. I may not belong to a major party, but I belong to a community—a beautiful, diverse, determined community—and I will spend every day of this term doing what I promised: being their voice, fighting for their future, and making sure they are never left behind. Before I close I want to thank those who stood beside me and made this possible. To my office team—Justin Mulder, Margaret Cheng, Marsha Kozlova, Aileen Khouphongsy, Meryem Abdulrahman, Leonie Le, Valentine Prkic, Mario Compart, Bao Nguyen, Christopher Yates, Ina Holzapfel, Angela Chau, Johanna Roshka and Kimberley Pham: thank you for your dedication in serving our community.”
“To the Prime Minister and his government: you asked for a mandate, now use it to deliver. Build the east-west metro. Don’t just build an airport—connect it so that people in Fowler and south-west Sydney can access the jobs you promise. Invest in roads, schools, hospitals, and local sporting grounds. Support the small businesses that kept this economy afloat during COVID. The virus may have passed, but the disruption has not. Have empathy for the early risers who clean, cook, build, drive and care. Have empathy for young people with big dreams but little support. Have empathy for multicultural communities that make this country strong. Too many in Canberra have spent too long inside a bubble, far removed from the communities you once fought for. I'm here to remind you: don't forget them now.”
“I will push for real student debt reform, not just indexation relief but a reversal of the punitive fee hikes from the Morrison era that saw the cost of arts degrees soar from $20,000 to $50,000, pricing many young people out of education. I will continue to advocate urgently for investment in public school infrastructure. For example, Bonnyrigg High School was built for 950 students. It now holds nearly double that, with nearly 40 demountable classrooms. The Commonwealth sets national priorities and funds agreements with states. So I ask: if every public school is meant to be fully and fairly funded, why are schools like Bonnyrigg High left behind? Being in this place is a privilege I will never take for granted. As an Independent, my job is to bring the voices of my community into the House and hold the government to account.”
“The people of Fowler aren't asking for handouts. They want fairness—investments that match the contributions they make every single day. In my first term, I called for the reinstatement of the low- and middle-income tax offset because families in Fowler were struggling, and they still are. This term, I will continue to urge the Labor government—a party with roots representing working Australians—to honour that legacy. Bring back this tax relief for low- and middle-income earners. I will also call for the tax-free threshold—stuck at $18,200 since 2012—to be lifted to reflect rising inflation and living costs. This is genuine relief for workers and small businesses alike. I will stand firm for the right to use cash, because not everyone in Fowler has a smartphone or trusts digital banking.”
“Centres can't find enough staff and have been forced to raise prices because of heavy regulatory costs. Local businesses—many family-run and migrant owned—struggle to survive under rising expenses and policies crafted without them in mind. Despite 500,000 free TAFE places being announced, critical courses such as baking and meat processing are not available locally to meet our workforce needs. Students and local workers in Fowler still face toll roads, congested roads, overcrowded trains, and watch as infrastructure dollars go elsewhere. Yet, through all these challenges, my community continues to show up. They work hard, keep businesses open, volunteer for Meals on Wheels, pack sleeping bags for Vinnies, coach local kids, care for elders and contribute in every way they can, against all odds.”
“I was a refugee, a boat person—someone who was given a chance to rebuild her life in this peaceful country I now call home. I believe every Australian, no matter where they come from, their postcode or their income, deserves that same chance. In this second term, my mission remains unchanged. I will continue to push this government to deliver for Western Sydney and south-western Sydney and for families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis that is pushing them to the edge. I hear it everywhere—families asking what this government is doing to bring down petrol prices, to cut tolls, to make energy and housing affordable, to reduce the burden on small businesses drowning in red and green tape. Child care remains out of reach for many parents, despite claims of affordability. Parents work two or three jobs just to get by.”