The Socialist Alliance will make public transport, community services, and combating racism the focus of its campaign for seats on Parramatta Council.
Community activists John Coleman, Kerryn Williams and Ross Geary will stand for election in the Woodville ward.
Mr Coleman, a rail worker and union activist with the Rail Tram and Bus Union, said commuter issues would be a central concern of his campaign.
“Public transport is a public service and must therefore be run for the community, not for corporate profit” Mr Coleman said.
“That’s why we are campaigning for greater government funding for public transport in the western suburbs and against any further privatisations, such as the proposed sell-off of the Parramatta-Liverpool transit way.
We are also campaigning for Parramatta Council to fund a three-month trial of free train trips to and from Parramatta city stations. If it is proven that local residents prefer public transport, Socialist Alliance councillors will push for permanent state and local government funding for free trains” added Coleman.
Ms Williams said she would push for free community based childcare services.
“This could easily be paid for by increasing the rates paid by Westfield and reducing rates paid by residents and small businesses, thereby also alleviating the rising cost of living for local residents," she said.
Mr Geary, a former member of the Labor Party, said he would campaign for the closure of the Villawood Detention Centre and for free English-language classes.