2013 Federal Election: Tony Abbott makes a pitch for Western Sydney Locals mob Tony Abbott at The Renaissance in Lidcombe. TONY Abbott has made a direct pitch to Western Sydney voters in a rousing speech to the Muslim community in which he declared himself the "sworn enemy" of those who sought to divide Australia over issues of race or faith. Speaking to a function of more than 500 Muslims gathered in Lidcome to mark the end of Ramadan, Mr Abbott said Western Sydney would underpin a strong Australian economy and building infrastructure here was vital. He said multicultural Australia was a "beacon of hope to a troubled and divided world" and we had much to be proud of. But he said there were still those who sought to tear apart a united Australia and he would fight against them. "I am the sworn enemy for anyone who seeks to divide Australian over Australian on issues of class, gender, birth place, race and particularly over faith," Mr Abbott said. I believe that all religious faiths seek to come to grips with the complexity of human condition. We have to respect the specialness of that faith to every person. Mr Abbott made clear Western Sydney would be vital in his election strategy, using the first day of the official campaign to visit the area after first stopping in Queensland to visit the heartland of Brisbane. Mr Abbott said he wanted to make sure vital infrastructure was built in the area and was determined to get the West Connex project off the ground. "Infrastructure for Western Sydney is the muscle and sinew of strong economy - that's why we will get the West Connex project up and running as quickly as possible," Mr Abbott said.