Dom’s brazen move weeks from election

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet made a stand against Opposition Leader Chris Minns, declaring Liberal candidate Craig Chung was “the guy” to unseat the wannabe premier in his at-risk seat.

Hitting the streets to meet local business owners in Penshurst on Friday morning, Mr Perrottet was flanked by Mr Chung and long-time local MP Mark Coure.

The south Sydney suburb borders the Liberal-held electorate of Oatley and Opposition Leader Chris Minns’ ultra-marginal seat of Kogarah. Mr Minns has said he would not try to remain as the Labor Leader if he lost his seat.

When asked whether Mr Chung’s campaign was enough to overtake Mr Minns at the polls on March 25, Mr Perrottet was optimistic.

“I think Craig is the guy to do it,” he said.

“Kogarah is a key battleground but it’s only Craig Chung, as a Liberal member in Kogarah that can keep taking the state forward and make investments to change people’s lives.”

Mr Chung said the Kogarah community had been receptive to the government’s “long-term economic plan,” as well as their pledge to make all poker machines cashless by 2028.

“It’s a critical part of the plan. And I’m just concentrating on talking to people about that every single day,” he said.

“They’re one of the communities who struggle under the burden of problem gambling and we know problem gambling affects not just individuals but also families for generations.”

Owner of Penshurst Laundromat, which has stood on Penshurst St for 21 years, Tom Nguyen was all smiles meeting the Premier. However it was Mr Coure’s name that got more praise.

“Mark always comes to help us. I think he’s a good man and he does a lot for us. I expect he will win this election,” Mr Nguyen told NCA NewsWire.

While Mr Nguyen had a sign of Mr Coure in his window, there was one name he couldn’t recollect when asked: Chris Minns.

“I see the Opposition Leader on TV but I forgot his name,” he said.

Head Chef of Short Black Espresso Bar George Adamou was succinct when asked about his first impression of the Premier.

“Good. Taller than I thought,” he said.

Staff got about 30 minutes notice before a fierce pack of political staffers, journalists and the wondering crowd stormed the busy cafe.

“We told them the government payments during the pandemic were a great help during that time but we‘re facing the toughest time right now with increasing inflation, increasing rent and mortgage repayments,” said Mr Adamou.

To win the election, Labor needs to retain their current 38 seats, and add a further nine to be able to govern with a majority government, however Mr Minns believes the party could take power in a minority government with as little as five.