Two new candidates have emerged for the upcoming Penrith Council elections, with the Australia First Party vying for a spot in East Ward.
Leader of the political party Jim Saleam confirmed the Australia First ticket will be led by Lili Orrock, with second candidate Michelle Burgess actively involved in campaigning.
Both women oppose the Aerotropolis, government corruption, the raising of the Warragamba Dam wall and were drawn to the nationalist party due to a perceived lack of true Australian interest in other political parties.
“Although the construction is ploughing ahead, I stand by local residents who have been disenfranchised or affected by both the acquisition of their property for the Aerotropolis project and the intrusive train line from Badgerys Creek to St Marys,” Ms Orrock, a St Marys resident, said.
“I believe that Australia should be for Australians and Penrith should not be the third Greater Sydney city for immigrants arriving to grab land and build globalist businesses. Our landscape is changing and not benefiting locals.”
A member of Australia First for many years, Ms Orrock believes residents and voters should have the power to nullify political decisions of Council by a direct citizen vote.
She will also be vocal on the damage done to wildlife in new “hyper-development areas”, homelessness, proper planning for flood zones, sustainable growth and look to expose potential corruption in land dealings.
“We have sold off most of our Australian assets to other countries or corporations. The Australia First Party believes in keeping our Australian way of life,” she said.
Ms Burgess, who was a member of the Labor Party for 12 years before rejecting the party, said the concept of promoting Australia, jobs for all Australians and rebuilding manufacturing in Australia are what drew her to Australia First.
“Current processes of bringing in overseas labour is lowering the working standards and pay of Australian workers and is actually divisive,” the Cambridge Park resident and local businesswoman said.
Ms Burgess said she would work tirelessly and with no political agenda to represent residents by consulting and advocating for the community about matters that directly effect them.
“I want to be ‘in the tent’ contributing rather than standing outside throwing stones,” she said.
The Penrith Council elections take place on September 4.
Alena Higgins is the Weekender’s Senior News Reporter, primarily covering courts and Council issues.
