That this House:

1. Thanks the people of Western Sydney for their incredible effort in getting vaccinated, at rates higher than the rest of Australia and the world.
2. Expresses disappointment that Sydney was torn in two, with harsh restrictions enforced on communities across west and South-West Sydney.
3. Recognises the devastating impact of these restrictions, with turnover declines of up to 70 per cent by small businesses and the loss of 18 per cent of jobs in some areas.
4. Expresses concern that from 1 December 2021, these businesses will have no support whatsoever from either the State or Commonwealth governments.
5. Acknowledges the risk that Higher School Certificate students in local government areas of concern have been disadvantaged by not having the same access to their schools in the lead-up to exams, with less resources available to learn remotely.
6. Calls on the Government to ensure businesses can successfully reopen, people can get their jobs back, and that Western Sydney can recover and thrive after years of underinvestment and months of harsh restrictions.

Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) (12:47): — Via video link: I am delighted to speak on the motion moved by the Member for Londonderry about the economic recovery of Western Sydney.

I thank all our communities for getting vaccinated and allowing [inaudible] and, of course, the health workers who have kept us safe.

Sincere and serious economic policy is more than another media event—another bromance photo opportunity at an inner‑city organic gastro pub, downing a schooner and trying to look like a suburban local.

I bet it was a handcrafted, watermelon-flavoured light beer. Talk about a confected image makeover! All the Premier needs now is his red “Make America Great Again” [MAGA] cap while shouting, “Make New South Wales great again!” after he gerrymandered and locked up South-Western and Western Sydney based on no scientific evidence, causing serious economic damage.

Our communities should have the minimal amount of restrictions for everyone, not harsher restrictions for some just because they do not live in a Liberal electorate occupied by a senior Cabinet Minister.

My electorate office, like many others in Western and South-Western Sydney, is located in a small CBD on a main street. Oxford Road in Ingleburn is usually bustling with people and car spots are hard to find. At lunch time it is usually much busier, as workers emerge from their offices to go for a walk or a bite to eat.

However, in recent months that has not been the case. Parking spots are easy to find and there are almost no queues at the shops or eateries. Some shops have even closed their shutters or reduced their opening hours. I fear that some shops will remain vacant for a considerable period.

Main Street, Ingleburn, is very much a microcosm of Western Sydney and South-Western Sydney. Having endured a protracted lockdown, including an oppressive and unfair curfew, the region I live in is struggling to recover.

During the worst days of the pandemic and lockdown it was, of course, Western and South-Western Sydney that kept the economy going.

Having done so much of the heavy lifting, our residents and the local businesses in our region need special help.

Consider these sobering facts and statistics: job ads are down by 60 per cent, small businesses have suffered loss in such trade of up to 70 per cent and 18 per cent of jobs have been lost since the beginning of the pandemic.

More than any other part of Sydney, Western and South-Western Sydney have borne the economic sting of the pandemic. The emotional and social costs continue to grow.

This Liberal‑Nationals Government touts that Western and South-Western Sydney is the centre of its economic blueprint for post‑COVID wealth. Nothing could be further from the truth.

This Government fleeces my constituents with burdensome road tolls and unashamedly pork‑barrels to favour its own electorates with public money. It insults teachers, nurses and other frontline public sector workers during a pandemic by only offering them a paltry 1.3 per cent pay rise. The list, of course, continues.

More than ever, Western and South-West Sydney need special economic assistance. They need help from a government that understands the daily commute, the work/home/home school juggle and the struggle of those who live on part‑time and unreliable work.

NSW Labor understands those issues, and the aspirations and ambitions of the people of Western and South-Western Sydney.

A couple of Dine & Discover vouchers, whilst welcome, will not cut it, nor will rehashing announcements about government spending.

If this Government was serious it would fast‑track urgent social housing and school repairs, and stimulate the local construction and trade industry.

Only a New South Wales Labor Government can assist Western and South-Western Sydney to support economic recovery.