Ali El Kheir runs a cafe and gym in western Sydney. He says economic conditions have eased β but he has few expectations of local politicians and none of the media. A li El Kheir is a busy man. Between running his popular cafe, managing his wrestling gym down the road and keeping up with his family, he barely has a moment to himself.
His gym Sydney Wrestling Academy and cafe are in Regents Park, a small slice of suburban and industrial western Sydney , and he is entirely dedicated to their success. Morning Owl is a bustling place despite the relative quiet of the factories surrounding it.
The area sits in the seat of Blaxland, which Labor has held since its inception. The current MP, the education minister, Jason Clare, has never had much competition, but at this election he faces a new challenge from community-based independents.
Questions of politics, parties, leaders or seats are met with a shrug, seemingly galaxies away from the cacophony of voices and sounds at Morning Owl.
He is clear on what would cut through for him and for his customers β but unsure he is seeing what he wants to see from Australian political leaders.
