[Bennelong by-election] Labor candidate Keneally targets Korean voters

Labor candidate for the Bennelong by-election Kristina Keneally has appealed to the Korean speaking voters in Eastwood for the support for her during a campaign targeting the Korean community, being flanked by former NSW Premier Bob Carr and other key Labor figures.

Former NSW premier Bob Carr and Federal Labor candidate Kristina Keneally with Korean samulnori, percussion quartet performance team in Eastwood Source: SBS Korean Program

The NSW seat of Bennelong became vacant after Liberal MP John Alexander resigned from the seat over the dual citizenship saga.

With a by-election less than a week away, a campaign to support Federal Labor Candidate Ms Kristina Keneally was held in Eastwood on December 10.

The campaign seemed to target Korean votes as the parade event featured samulnori, Korean percussion quartet.

Federal labor candidate Kristina Keneally Source: SBS Korean Program

Former NSW Premier Ms Keneally said she is not happy about what's going on in Bennelong or Australia and that’s why she stands up for the community.

"We have seen cuts to schools, cut to university, cut to health and rising electricity prices, slow and second rate MBN. Bennelong has a chance to change the direction of Australia." Ms Keneally said.

Another former NSW premier, Mr Bob Carr also joined the campaign and he said Ms Keneally is the best candidate for the area.

“I know it. She is so good. She is terrific fighter for the area. She Knows about Education, health and MBN which is concerns people here. I just think she will be a great representative. She is a fighter and she gets things done.” Mr Carr said.  

Not just Mr Carr but also Mr Bill Shorten, the Leader of the Opposition visited Bennelong area to support Ms Keneally. In spite of heavyweight support from the Labor party leaders, the by-election against Liberal candidate John Alexander seems like a tough battle.

“Every campaign is tough but this one is tough ask for Labor we are seeking a 10 % swing. We ask 9,000 people to change their vote from just 12 months ago.” Ms Keneally said.

As Bennelong is on a knife edge, a key influence on the result will be the Korean voters as well as Chinese voters. About 4% of Bennelong residents have Korean ancestry.

Peter Kim, Labor party’s Korean Councillor in Ryde Council said the Bennelong by-election is a great opportunity for Korean-Australians to show their political influence.

“As the Bennelong by-election is so tough, Koreans can be of help to Ms Keneally. Then it can create a chance to change the government. If we help the party this time, we can build a good bridge between us and the Federal and state government.” Cr Kim said.

The Bennelong by-election where Liberal’s John Alexander and Labor’s Kristina Keneally having a tough battle is holding on Saturday December 16.

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