A local candidate previously dumped so a senior minister could be parachuted in has been brought back in a Labor bid to regain a former safe seat.
Labor has pre-selected lawyer Tu Le to contest the seat of Fowler in Sydney’s southwest at the federal election.
Le was a favourite within the party to run for the seat at the 2022 election, but was moved aside in order for former New South Wales (NSW) premier Kristina Keneally to be the candidate.
The move sparked backlash given Keneally was from Sydney’s Northern Beaches and not from the electorate.
As a result, Labor suffered a more than 15 percent swing against it and lost the seat to independent candidate Dai Le.
The independent holds the seat by just 1.6 percent, two-candidate preferred.
It was the first time Labor had lost Fowler since the electorate was created in 1984.
The daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Tu Le has worked as a community lawyer in support of survivors of domestic violence.
“Growing up in southwest Sydney, and being the daughter of refugees, I understand deeply the power of equal opportunity and what it takes to overcome disadvantage,” she told reporters on Oct. 4.
“My personal lived experiences have led me to dedicate my life to advocating for the needs of the community ... the community of Fowler deserve a voice in the Labor government.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tu Le would be a fitting community representative.
“Tu Le is a great candidate and will be even better as a local member, who will have a voice in government and be able to get things done,” he said.
“My government is a strong supporter of multiculturalism. I’m very familiar with this community, and Tu Le will be an amazing representative.”
The next election is due to be held by May 2025.
