Bankstown Metro opening: Centre for Western Sydney experts available for interview

Experts from the Centre for Western Sydney are available to comment on the opening of the Bankstown Metro expansion, including what it means for local communities, transport equity, jobs, business and economic development across Western Sydney.

Professor Azadeh Dastyari, Director, Centre for Western Sydney

Professor Azadeh (Az) Dastyari is the Director of the Centre for Western Sydney and a Professor of Human Rights Law at Western Sydney University. She leads place-based research, engagement, and advocacy that seeks to unlock the unlimited potential of Western Sydney, with a strong focus on challenging systemic inequality and amplifying community voices. Professor Dastyari has held academic appointments at Harvard Law School, Georgetown University, and the European University Institute, and her expertise is regularly sought by parliaments and United Nations bodies.

"What excites me about the metro is the opportunities it opens up for people across Western Sydney. Shorter commutes will mean less time travelling and more time with family, friends and community. It will also make it easier for people to access jobs, education and essential services, improving both opportunities and quality of life.”

“Places on the new metro line including Bankstown, Lakemba and Campsie are thriving multicultural communities rich in incredible food, local businesses and cultural experiences. The Metro creates an opportunity to bring more visitors, customers and investment into these areas and will make it easier for the rest of Sydney to discover everything our region has to offer.”

"Good public transport is an equity issue. Where you live shouldn't determine your access to jobs, education and community."

"Lack of good public transport in Western Sydney has led to an over-reliance on cars in our region which contributes to traffic congestion, the cost of living crisis and carbon emissions. The Metro is an important step towards reducing car dependency for communities along the route."

Dr Anastasia Mortimer, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Centre for Western Sydney

Dr Anastasia Mortimer is the Centre for Western Sydney’s Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Western Sydney University. She is a social sciences researcher who explores issues related to internal disaster displacement, climate justice, emergency shelter and housing, and sustainable development. Her research and advocacy aim to draw attention to the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation, as well as intersecting human rights challenges within the social and ecological nexus.

"The people of Western Sydney have waited for this Metro for a long time with more than two years of delays on our side of the tracks. Bus replacements have made journeys longer and public transport more inaccessible. This Metro could not come soon enough."

Professor Neil Perry, Chief Economist, Centre for Western Sydney

Professor Neil Perry is Chief Economist of the Centre for Western Sydney and specialises in economic development.

"New transport projects effectively make the city larger. For the people of the Bankstown region, this improves access to jobs that match their skills. For businesses, they will have access to more skilled workers and hence improve their efficiency and profits."

"The Metro extension creates wider leisure benefits because people can make more efficient choices regarding their leisure. For example, people across Sydney can now more easily experience the gastronomical delights of Bankstown and its regions. Similarly, the people of Bankstown have more leisure choices in the rest of Sydney."

To arrange an interview, please contact media@westernsydney.edu.au.

ENDS.

29 October 2026
Media Unit