Councillor Karl Saleh To Step Down After 20 Years

Roselands Ward Councillor, Clr Karl Saleh OAM, has advised Council that 2025 was his final year in elected office, following more than 20 years of service to the City of Canterbury Bankstown, including five terms as a Councillor and four terms as Deputy Mayor.

By providing advance notice, Council was able to avoid a by-election and instead proceed with a countback through the NSW Electoral Commission, ensuring continuity of representation and uninterrupted service for the community.

Clr Saleh emphasised that while he is stepping down from elected office, he is not stepping away from the community he has loved and served for almost 35 years.

“While I am stepping down, I am not stepping away. I remain deeply committed to serving the community I love and look forward to taking on new challenges in public life, while also spending more time with my family and grandchildren,” Clr Saleh said.

“I hope my political journey inspires young people from non-English speaking backgrounds to see that real change, and different pathways into leadership, are possible through engagement with Australia’s political parties,” Clr Saleh said.

Clr Saleh acknowledged and thanked his fellow councillors, Council staff, residents and community members across Canterbury-Bankstown for their trust and support over the years.

“I will always be grateful to those who believed in me, and I hope that, in some small way, I’ve helped open doors for others,” Clr Saleh said.

He added: “Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years. Your trust has meant more than words can say.”