Western Sydney University’s election forum to tackle key issues for region
Western Sydney University will play a key role in driving the conversation and promoting public debate ahead of the 2025 Federal Election, with its experts providing insights into the challenges facing the region.
With Western Sydney set to be a decisive battleground, the Centre for Western Sydney will lead discussions on critical issues, including the cost-of-living crisis, housing affordability, and economic growth.
These issues and more will be discussed at the upcoming Western Sydney Decides election forum hosted by the Centre for Western Sydney in the Parramatta CBD.
Professor Andy Marks, Executive Director of the Centre for Western Sydney, emphasised the significance of this election for local communities.
Professor Marks highlighted that crucial seats like Werriwa, Macquarie, and Macarthur will be hotly contested, as they hold the key to forming government for both major parties.
“Western Sydney makes up 10 per cent of the national population. It cannot be taken for granted by the major parties, minors and independents. At recent elections voter swings in Sydney’s west have exceeded the national average, and in some subregions gone sharply against the trend. That shows voters in this region are highly engaged in the issues that will decide the election,” said Professor Marks.
“As Australia’s youngest, fastest growing and culturally diverse region, Western Sydney is a window into the nation’s political future. The way this region votes at the upcoming election, will be a snapshot of the issues that will dominate politics in the decades ahead.”
Fostering informed public debate, Western Sydney Decides(opens in a new window) will take place at the University’s Parramatta City campus, from 5-6.30pm, Thursday, 20 March 2025.
This important election forum will feature Dr Andrew Charlton MP – Special Envoy for Cyber Security and Digital Resilience and Member for Parramatta; The Hon. Angus Taylor MP – Shadow Treasurer and Member for Hume; and Ms Dai Le MP – Member for Fowler.
Staff, students and the community are invited to join us as we hear from these key political voices who will address critical issues for voters.
Throughout the election campaign, stay up to date with the latest from Western Sydney University experts and academics via the Western Sydney Votes section of the News Centre.
There will also be contributions and insights from our diverse student community, offering perspectives on the issues that matter most to them.
Additionally, the Centre for Western Sydney will release a series of real-time video analyses, breaking down the key election issues impacting the region.
ENDS
17 March 2025
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