Frank published an inner-city newspaper called The South
Sydney Post and ran a resident action group. In 1983, it campaigned for road
closures throughout Erko and Alexandria
– this produced much opposition from the inner-city branches of the Labor
Party.
In 1983 he, along with people like Bill Sheridan and Claire
Vernon, was elected to the then newly merged South Sydney
and City Council which had 27 councillors. What was Frank like as a progressive
Alderman? His old mate Bill told of many calls happening at about 12am, asking
Bill to do letter boxing. He was perfectly happy to go and do it, no matter
what time. Bill said Frank was always someone who would stand by his mates.
In 1987, the Council was sacked, and Frank, along with
Clover Moore, who was also a member of the sacked Council, campaigned against
the Unsworth Labor Government.
Sartor also ran against Sandra Nori, the Labor candidate for
the inner-city seat of McKell.
Fast forward to 2003. Frank became the Labor Member for
Rockdale and a senior Minister in the Carr Labor Government. After last month’s
change of Premier, Frank goes, and his career seems to be over. A man that
started as a progressive inner-city activist, some would say, became an
apologist for what appeared to be some of the worst reforms to the state
planning laws and planning decisions the state has seen. However, since he left
the Ministry, he has been quiet.
However, on Thursday October 9, at 6.30pm, Frank is taking
part in a forum on “Community Activism” with some inner-city activists. The
activists are:
Meredith Burgmann (City of Sydney ALP
Councillor), Kate Lamb (Willoughby
Independent Councillor), Jan Macindoe (President Willoughby Council), Gary
Moore (Glebe Society Director Community Services), Frank Sartor (MP for
Marrickville).
Venue: Upstairs Function Room, Toxteth Hotel, 345 Glebe Point Road
Cost: $10/$5 Concession – raising money for East Timor
Justice!
More Information: Kate Barton at katebarton3@optusnet.com.au
Source:
South Sydney Herald October 2008 www.southsydneyherald.com.au