OATLEY voters got a chance on Tuesday to tell the NSW Opposition how to improve its chances in the 2015 election.
At least 50 people were at Penshurst RSL for the "Labor listens" community cabinet meeting with Opposition Leader John Robertson and about 10 cabinet members.
Mr Robertson said the Opposition was making an effort to reconnect to the community, re-establish trust and give people the chance to bring their ideas to Labor.
"If we get into office we want to be ready," he said.
The meeting, hosted by Hurstville mayor Steve McMahon, was a question and answer session.
¦ A public servant asked Mr Robertson what he intended to do about Labor politicians' appalling behaviour towards public servants, which included bullying and corruption.
Mr Robertson said he would not tolerate any bad behaviour; ethics training was a must for all politicians and he intended to lead by example.
¦ A unionist and ALP member of almost 40 years said he was concerned about the erosion between the ALP and the unions while another voiced concern about the breakdown of relations between the parliamentary representatives and voters.
Mr Robertson said the ALP and the unions would always have a relationship and acknowledged that work had to be done to mend relations with voters.
¦ A school teacher wanted Labor to promise there would be no "casualisation of education", which would be the end result of the Liberals' "local schools — local decisions" move.
Mr Robertson said he would hold the Liberals to account on this.
¦ An environmentalist brought attention to long-term water quality in light of today's emphasis on coal seam gas mining.
Mr Robertson said Labor had shifted its position and put a "pause button" on coal seam gas until all the science was in.
Other matters of concern raised included rising utility bills, funding support for African refugees, minimum wages for young people, Oatley's antiquated sewerage system, a plastic bottle deposit scheme and security on public transport.
Mr Robertson encouraged the public to send ideas to Labor and promised to return for another session.
"Labor's job in Opposition is to hold the O'Farrell government to account and put forward alternative policies that are in the public interest," he said.
"Everywhere I go, I detect growing disappointment with Barry O'Farrell.
"Families in the Oatley electorate are paying more than ever in electricity bills and public transport fares.
"Hospital waiting times haven't improved, road congestion is getting worse - and police stations are understaffed while Sydney reels from the worst spate of shootings in a decade."
Did you attend the forum? What did you ask?
