Rivals Take on Meagher

The Australian Newspaper, Monica Videnieks, Monday, 29 April 2002

 

Fed up with what they claim is a lack of commitment from Cabramatta MP Reba Meagher, at least two powerful local entities are threatening to stand against her at the state election.

 

Outspoken Cabramatta Chamber of Commerce president Ross Treyvaud and Fairfield City councillor Thang Ngo were expected to announce their decisions within weeks.  Mr Treyvaud is described as having an "80 percent chance" of throwing his hat in the ring.

 

Ms Meagher has held the safe Labor seat for seven years, but support for the party in western Sydney - traditionally Labor heartland - has waned.

 

A the last state election, when many of her colleagues increased their majorities in difficult seats, Ms Meagher lost a chunk of her 22 per cent margin and on two-party preferred  count had a 4 per cent swing against her.

 

Adding to her woes, Ms Meagher recently had a public scrap with Labor-aligned Fairfield Mayor Anwar Khoshaba after he accused her of snubbing him at an ALP function.

 

Mr Treyvaud, and independent councillors Thang Ngo, Maria Heggie and Peter Cork, told Premier Bob Carr last month they did not support Ms Meagher, particularly in her new role as parliamentary secretary to the Police Minister, and would boycott all policing meetings she attended.

 

But Ms Meagher yesterday defended her performance claiming Government initiatives and an injection of funds into the area were already having an effect.

 

"There are some vocal people, running their own agendas who are very critical (of me), but as far as policing and drugs are concerned, this is such an emotive issue, it can generate a lot of fear and can be used as a political football... I would only say there is no quick fix," Ms Meagher said.

 

The NSW Opposition is frantically looking for a candidate.

 

Mr Treyvaud said he had not made a decision on whether to stand and had not been approached by a party.

 

Councillor Ngo, a member of the multicultural Unity party, who stood for the Senate position at the last election, said he would stand against Ms Meagher if Mr Treyvaud did not.  Ms Heggie may also challenge.