On Thursday 13 March 2025, Sydney Alliance, a prominent civil society organisation, hosted a pre-election civic assembly at the Morley Centre in Westmead, Sydney. The event provided a platform for citizens to engage with several political leaders ahead of Australia’s 48th federal election, anticipated to be held in May this year.
As the upcoming federal election approaches, major political parties have been making various pledges to the public. In Australia’s political culture, election promises are expected to be honoured once a party wins. Across the country, town hall meetings and pre-election assemblies serve as key forums for citizens to voice their concerns and expectations while politicians present their policies and commitments.
Sydney Alliance, a major civil society group in New South Wales, organised this event as part of that tradition. More than 800 citizens attended, representing various social, volunteer and religious organisations and unions.
The assembly began with representatives from different community groups sharing their personal stories. They spoke about how issues such as the housing crisis, the rising cost of living, and employment challenges have impacted their lives and families.
During the negotiation segment, key government and opposition leaders participated in discussions with Sydney Alliance representatives. Among them were Minister for Energy and Climate Change Hon Chris Bowen MP, Australian Greens Deputy Leader Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Member for Parramatta Dr Andrew Charlton MP representing the Minister for Housing and Homelessness Hon Clare O’Neil MP, and Independent Federal Member for Warringah Zali Steggall OAM MP.
The negotiation segment was co-chaired by Anthony Matthews, Rhianan Rawiri, Limoni Tupou, Cassandra Ngurah and Kurt Iveson. Several members of the Assembly Negotiation Team and Research Action Team supported their negotiations and asks.
Each political leader was presented with specific policy demands and was asked to clarify whether they would commit to these measures if elected. The demands made to the Minister for Energy and Climate Change included a government commitment to expand funding to ensure 75% of social housing properties can be upgraded by 2030 in NSW and to provide home energy upgrade funding for rental homes.
The representative of the Minister for Housing was asked about their commitment to expand federal funding for new public, community and affordable housing to at least $2 billion per year and various measures to support rent assistance in the immediate short term.
Senator Mehreen Faruqi and Zali Stegall OAM MP expressed their commitment to prioritise various solutions to the energy, climate and housing crises in their work on the crossbench.
Given the significant number of Muslim participants in the assembly, Sydney Alliance made arrangements for Maghrib prayer and Iftar to accommodate those observing the fast during the event.
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