Charles Casuscelli MP - Member for Strathfield

Strathfield is an electoral district of the NSW Legislative Assembly first created in 1988. Its name comes from the Sydney  suburb of the same name.

Strathfield, while traditionally a marginal electorate, tended to favour the Liberal Party of Australia in its earlier years. It was first won by Liberal Paul Zammit and then by Liberal Bruce MacCarthy. MaCarthy's  successor, Labor's  Paul Whelan shifted to Strathfield from the abolished seat of Ashfield and became the Minister for Police in the Carr government .

 Whelan was succeeded by Virginia Judge who was  defeated at the 2011 State election by Liberal and current member Charles Casuscelli.

My vision

I would be delighted if people say to me at the end of my first term in office, "Charles, this electorate is now a better place for your having been here."

My mission

In all things, to accept the things I cannot change, to have the courage to change the things that I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

My values

My values are based on the ten commandments and all of the decency and hope that flows from those historic and divine words.

My motto

For when the one great scorer

Comes to write against your name

He'll write not that you won or lost

But how you played the game

Just a little about me

The team

The new Liberal Government of NSW making its way to Government House.

 I am mindful that Governments and success is not the achievement of an individual but of a team of like minded people, committed to a common goal, sharing the same values, energised by a belief that they can make a difference, individually and collectively. I recognise that I have an obligation to my team to contribute, to particpate, to lead and if necessary, to follow when opportunities arise.    

 My pledge

I am a passionate advocate for a "fair go" for all. I believe that the community interest must precede all other considerations for our Government. To this end I will devote all of my energy and capabilities.

 My skills and attributes

Working in diverse industries for over 30 years has provided me with a knowledge of policy development, service delivery and governance that I am convinced will contribute to improved Government in NSW.

As a senior executive in the NSW Public Service I have learnt how large organisations operate and I understand the many challenges for a Government to deliver effective services to our community. I am especially sensitive for the need to demonstrate sound governance over government programs.

My professional development has also been conditioned by a number of senior executive appointments in the private sector. My personal approach to business includes a focus on achieving results and calculated risk-taking. I acknowledge the value of reward for effort and for providing satisfying work places through fair policies and effective management structures.

My immigrant beginning

 I was born in Rome and emigrated to Australia in 1963. I became an Australian through naturalisation in the early 1970's as a consequence of getting a job in the Commonwealth Public Service and as a pre-requsite of joining the Australian Defence Force. I am so proud of Australia, not for what it may become but for what it is. I am aware of its challenges to new migrants but I have also experienced those opportunities that are extended to everyone, and a quality of life that is second to none

There are a few Italians in the Parliament of NSW. 
From left: Charles, the Hon Victor Dominello Minister for Citizenship and Communities,
Mr John Barilaro Member for Monaro, Mr John Sidoti Member for Drummoyne.

My military experience

Charles participating in the HMAS Sydney II Rememberence Ceremony in Nov 2011 at the Cenotaph.

My experience as a military officer in the Australian Defence Force demonstrates my committment to our community, not only at a national level but also locally as the Military Representative to Sydney's inner west emergency management arrangements. Values such as self-discipline, teamwork, loyalty and sacrifice are equally attractive in a state parliamentarian as they are in a military officer.

The pride and joy of my life - my family 

I am married to Maria and I have two children, Eleisha aged 24 and Bianca aged 21 years. I was was born in Rome and moved to Australia with my family when I was 5.

My parliamentary activity

The beginning - meeting the Governor of NSW. 

 Charles meets the Governor of NSW at Government House flanked by the Premier of NSW The Hon Barry O'Farrell.

 My role in the NSW Parliament

The Parliament of NSW is a special place to work, you are reminded about your purpose every day to represent your constituents, but not in a mindless way. It has become clear to me that as a Member of Parliament you must not just represent your constituents you also owe them your best judgement.  

Charles chairing one of the Ministerial Consultative Committees at Parliament House.

 In the Parliament of NSW my role extends to being:

• Member for Strathfield
• Member of the NSW Legislative Asembly
• Chair of the Legislative Assembly Committee Transport and Infrastructure
• Co-chair Ministerial Consultative Committee Chinese
• Co-chair Ministerial Consultative Commitee Korean
• Co-chair Ministerial Consultative Committee Russian

My political party activity 

Member, Five Dock Branch of the Liberal Party, February 2009 to present. Secretary, Liberal Party Inner West Task Force, January 2010 to present. Deputy Chair, Liberal Party Transport, Roads and Ports Policy Branch, July 2010 to present.

My community activity 

Charles celebrating Church Parade with the St John Ambulance at Ashfield. 

I am supporter of all of our volunteer organisations, recognising that our nation and our communities are so much stronger  because of our commitment to a host of volunteer organisations.

Personally I am a member of,  the RSL Defence Sub Branch, Burwood Rotary Club, Burwood RSL Club, Canada Bay Club, Wests Ashfield Legaues Club, and the Drummoyne Sailing Club.

I am delighted to be the Patron of the Ashfield Branch of the NSW Justices Association.

Honours I have received

Reserve Forces Decoration (RFD), Australian Defence Force, 1993.

My qualifications and past employment 

Electronic and Communications Certificate, North Sydney Tafe College, 1976. 27 Course, Queens Commission Officer Cadet Training Unit, 1978. Junior Course, Reserve Command and Staff College, 1983.

2006 - present Australian Defence Liaison Officer, Australian Defence Force. 2006 - 2011 Principal Consultant, Operations and Logistic Management Consulting Service. 2007 - 2008 Director Operations - Pacific, Nielsen (Australia). 2004 - 2006 General Manager Operations, The Brief Group. 2001 - 2003 (General) Manager, Field Operations (NSW and ACT), NRMA Motoring Services. 1997 - 2001 General Manager, Transport Management Centre, and also Project Director, Transport Centre Managment Project, NSW Roads and Traffic Authority. 1992 - 1997 Director Business Reenginering, and also National Field Operations Manager, AC Nielsen Australia. 1991 - 1992 National Operations Manager, Century 21 Telecommunications. 1987 - 1991 Army Officer, Australian Defence Force. 1981 - 1987 Technical Manager, Telstra. 1978 - 2011 Officer, Australian Army Reserve.

My interests include

Building homes and renovating existing homes, cycling and walking, watching historical movies.