Content about Raj Datta

The hotly contested battle for the mayoral robes is on the minds of most of Strathfield’s seven councillors.

This year’s election, which must take place before the end of the month, has an added piquancy: the threat of amalgamation means that after 130 years, this year’s leading citizen could be our last.

Who will be the face of the oasis of the West? That will be decided by seven councillors. And that means a delicate game of negotiation and alliances, with the two independents, Andrew Soulos and Helen McLucas, playing a prominent part.

Strathfield councillors may ground themselves from all foreign trips except where there are special circumstances after a sometimes angry hour-long debate over a European study tour.

The seven-day European trip, which four councillors approved at an extraordinary meeting last month, was axed after a rare “rescission” motion was passed unanimously by the full council.

The motion was proposed by independent councillor Helen McLucas and backed by Labor’s Raj Datta and Daniel Bott.

Strathfield councillors may ground themselves from all foreign trips except where there are special circumstances after a sometimes angry hour-long debate over a European study tour.

The seven-day European trip, which four councillors approved at an extraordinary meeting last month, was axed after a rare “recession” motion was passed unanimously by the full council.

The motion was proposed by independent councillor Helen McLucas and backed by Labor’s Raj Datta and Daniel Bott.

Count officials have delayed the Strathfield election results by another agonising day,  blaming a late surge in polling day registration for the problem.

Originally scheduled for 4pm Tuesday, the count will continue until Wednesday afternoon, meaning Liberals won't know if they have secured outright control until then.

Thursday 23 August: As the political campaigns heat up, the Labor Party were seen this morning at Strathfield Station advocating local issues for the community.

Candidate Raj Datta said he had been speaking with residents and businesses about local problems and is sending a clear message to other candidates to keep state and federal issues out of local government.

August 15 - Labor candidate, Raj Datta believes his party has uncovered a plan for the O’Farrell government to merge councils after the local government elections and is calling for transparency over the issue.

In recent weeks, Datta’s party has developed a strong stance against amalgamation and believes Strathfield is at risk of merging with surrounding councils such as Burwood and Auburn.