SJN runs candidates in NSW election on Real Multiculturalism and public services platforms

After deep disappointment of mainstream parties’ failures to field candidates from marginalised communities, the Social Justice Network decided to run candidates from these communities in the coming NSW election, March 2011.

“The SJN finds it very alarming that the mainstream parties represented in the state parliament failed to field new migrants as candidates for the next state election. Even the so-called progressive parties will run mainly English speaking candidates, despite the fact that NSW is the most multicultural state in Australia” said Jamal Daoud, spokesperson for the SJN and candidate for Auburn in the next election. “We find it difficult to believe that these parties could not find suitable candidates who speaks English as second language to run them in the election to represent the needs of new migrant voters”

“We run candidates to give practical example that the non-English speaking NSW residents have comprehensive understanding of political process and can be good politicians if given chance. Not only this. We want to demonstrate that new migrants who speaks English as second language are good citizens who will do everything they can to participate in advancing the prosperity of this nation”

In the wake of constant attacks on Multiculturalism in the society, we expected that “progressive” and “semi-progressive” political forces will take courageous steps to counteract these attacks. We believe that the best steps to achieve this would be by presenting non-English speaking politicians to lead the fight against racism and Islamophobia.

“Attacks on multiculturalism do not result in growing racism and Islamophobia only. It affects the successful integration of these groups and consequently affects their life style. We note the many researches about the growing discrimination in employment, for example, that prevents access of new migrants to jobs equal to their qualifications and expertise”

“Our repeated campaigns in the last few years during elections proved that NSW residents have great concerns over attacks on Multiculturalism and the lack of real multiculturalism in the society. It also demonstrates very clearly that voters are very disappointed from the mainstream parties (especially the Labor, Liberals and the Greens) on these issues”

The network will run its spokesperson and co-founder, the human rights campaigner, Jamal Daoud, for the seat of Auburn. There are discussions to run other candidates from marginalised communities in other high multicultural seats of Lakemba, Bankstown and Fairfield. The group will announce the names of candidates later on in the campaign.

The three mainstream parties should expect hard campaign and should come with some convincing arguments why their tickets lack new migrants names.

For more information or to arrange media talks, Jamal Daoud can be contacted on 0404 447 272