again to save the Liberals?

whether that is the economy, or investing in infrastructure,” Ayres said.

“I think Mr Howard led a government that was focused on middle Australia and Penrith is full of that and I think that it was we want to do as a State Government.

“He set the benchmark for running good government in the country over the last 50 years and if we can all aspire to be in that same category then I think we will be doing a pretty good job by the people of both Penrith and NSW.”

Howard rallies the troops

“I have quite a soft spot for Penrith,” Howard told loyal Liberal volunteers as the party held a Western Sydney Rally at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Sunday.

“Being here takes me back to the evening of March 2, 1996 when the then Labor Federal Government was consigned to history.

“Of the many thrilling moments that night, none was greater than to see a swing of 14 to 15 per cent in the seat of Lindsay which for the first time in history took Penrith and the surrounding areas into the Liberal fold.

“As I walked through the shopping centre with Stuart Ayres on Friday, I was reminded just what an aspirational part of the world and what an aspirational part of Sydney, Penrith really is.”

Howard’s words would have inspired the room of volunteers as they prepared for a week of early morning train station visits, pre-poll shifts and manning polling booths on Saturday.

Howard said he had “faith” in the Liberal Party and “believed strongly” in Premier Perrottet.

“Premier Perrottet has plenty of ideas and very strong values,” he said.

“I admire the strength he has displayed on poker machine reform. Some people can afford to gamble but some people can’t, and this is an area that screamed aloud for courage and at long last we have found a political leader… to do something about it.

“I admire the vision he has displayed on economic policy.”

Perrottet took to the stage and declared “when western Sydney is going well, New South Wales is going well”.

“I say to the people of western Sydney: our government stands with you,” he said. He confirmed that the Liberals would make public transport cheaper by reducing the weekly travel cap to $40 from May and provided an overview of the party’s policies that had previously been announced.

“We have a plan, and I can say that all of this is at risk under Labor. Under Labor, you and your family will pay more,” he said.

“Because Labor can’t manage their Budget, they come after your money.”

Sitting local MPs Ayres and Tanya Davies also spoke at the event.