The Sub-Continent Friends of Labor (SCFOL) launched its NSW state election campaign over dinner with Luke Foley, leader of the NSW ALP and leader of the NSW Opposition. Around 200 guests attended including state and federal MPs, local mayors and councillors.
A number of union secretaries attended the SCFOL event including Mark Lennon, President of Unions NSW, Alex Classen Secretary RBTU, Graham Kelly Secretary, Australian Workers Union and Russ Collison.
Luke Foley, Leader of opposition NSW, applauded the role of sub-continental communities and emphasised the importance of ethnic groups in multicultural Australia. He stressed the importance of standing for Labor values, stronger growth and opportunities as well as a fair and stronger multicultural Australia.
Michelle Rowland, MP Greenway, represented Bill Shorten, Federal Leader of Opposition. Ed Husic, Federal member for Chifley, Julie Owens Federal member for Parramatta, Laurie Ferguson federal member for Wareva and Tasmanian Senator Lisa Singh were the dignitaries. Also present were the state shadow treasurer Michael Dailey, state shadow minister for citizenship hon Guy Zangari, hon Sophie Cotsis MLC, Shaoquett Moselmane MLC and Ernest Wong MLC.
Mark Lennon, president of the Labor Party NSW and President of Unions NSW, spoke about the sale of state assets, and the impact of job cuts on nurses and teachers as well as the rising cost of living on the families in NSW.
Russ Collison in his address urged the Liberal Government not to sell Australia’s natural gas reserves.
General secretary SCFOL Amarinder Bajwa formally opened the event and invited the president Dr Moninder Singh. Dr Singh spoke of the achievements of the group. He said that SCOFL played very effective roll to force Liberal Governt to rollback amendments in Sec 18 and amendments in Parent Vis.
SCFOL also launched a women’s wing. This group will work closely with the steering committee of the SCFOL. Mrs Aruna Chandrala was nominated as the head of this newly formed women group.
Ejaz Khan, Vice President of the SCFOL, introduced dignitaries and candidates including Susai Benjamin and Charishma Kaliyanda. “Both these candidates are from uamong us,” he said “and we are happy about their selection.” The other candidates SCFOL supports include Jodi Mckay for Strathfield, Hugh McDermott for Prospect, Julia Finn for Granville, James Shaw for Parramatta, Emma Husar for Penrith, Todd Carney for Mulgoa, Anoulack for Maquarie Fields, Edmond Attala for Mt Druitt, Pure Carr, Jihad Dib, Ian Morison and Matt Ritchie.
Clr Stephen Bali, Mayor of Blacktown, Clr Khal Asfour, former Mayor of Bankstown, Clr Charlie Lowels, Karl Saleh from Canterbury Council and Councillor Raj Datta from Strathfield Council attended and supported the event.
The SCFOL president thanked Balraj Sangha for his tireless efforts to ensure all guest are served well. The president also thanked Balaji, Bhupinder, Pervez Khan, Kenrick Chea and Prabhjot Sandhu to ensure interaction between media and the Labor Parliamentarians.
Jay Hosur delivered vote of thanks.
Published in The Indian Sun, Sydney
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