28 August 08

Social Justice Network's candidates meet community leaders

The campaigners for Local Government elections from the Social Justice Group are very happy with the response received from the public so far in the campaign.

“The public in Auburn has showed great support for the campaign, while expressing a big loss of confidence in existing political parties. It has been very encouraging” said Jamal Daoud, candidate of the group in First Ward – Auburn Council.

“The group’s main reason to run in this election is to present a voice for the voiceless marginalised groups and to present a credible alternative to the existing parties.”

As well as meeting with ordinary members, the group met with many community leaders last Sunday at the home of the group's candidate for Auburn.

“We believe in grass-rooted campaigning and not campaigning through media advertisement or empty promises before each elections. This is why we were meeting with community members and leaders on a regular basis to listen to their issues and ideas on how we can cooperate to best represent their interests” said Mr Daoud.

“The community members and leaders expressed their concerns about the overdevelopment of the area by construction of high – rising building without enough facilities, infrastructure including green open spaces. They expressed their concern about the heavy representation of real estate agents, developers and other business people on the council, as they have natural conflict of interest”

“The whole campaign has been based on grass roots campaigning among the communities of Auburn and Canterbury. The response from community members and leaders is fantastic” Said Mr Daoud

“The community leaders and members recall very clearly the activities, campaigns and stances of the group's candidates and members in support of the needs and interests of the marginalised communities”

“We expect to get many votes from refugees, Muslims, Arabs and other members of marginalised communities. They remember and appreciate the group's continuous actions to fight attacks on refugees, war on Iraq, and racism and their efforts to support other social justice campaigns.”

The group campaigns in this election on the slogan of working towards “practical multiculturalism” with equal representation of the marginalised groups in the decision making process.

For more information or media interviews, you can call the group's candidate for Auburn Council – First Ward, Jamal Daoud on 0424 163 667