Andrew Constance preselected as Scott Morrison looks to win back seat

Scott Morrison is hoping a familiar face will help boost support for the coalition at the upcoming federal election.

Former NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has been given the nod to run for a seat in federal parliament.

The former state Liberal MP will go up against Labor MP Fiona Phillips in the battle for Gilmore on the NSW south coast.

Ms Phillips was one of three Labor MPs to take seats from the Coalition at the 2019 election, and has a margin of 2.6 per cent.

Andrew Constance will make a run the federal seat of Gilmore. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Joel Carrett

Mr Constance – who spent 19 years in the state Parliament as the member for Bega – said improving the nation’s trauma response was an important factor in his decision to step up to federal politics.

“We have seen and lived through the largest wildfires in world history and faced a global pandemic everyday now for two years,” he said.

“I am standing because I believe there is so much to do in areas of trauma response and wellbeing following national disasters and in the specialised area of national resilience to such events.”

Mr Constance came to national attention following the Black Summer bushfires – where he fought back tears live on air speaking about the devastation caused by the disaster.

Fiona Phillips is one of three Labor MPs who won a seat off the government a the last election. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Liberal candidate, who almost lost his own home in the New Year’s Eve blaze, told reporters he would depart state politics once bushfire recovery was complete.

He was also vocal about the mental health impact such events have on the community and later revealed he had also received trauma counselling.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison gave Mr Constance his blessing to seek preselection in October.

“I warmly welcome Andrew Constance’s decision to seek endorsement to be part of our federal Liberal team as our Liberal candidate for Gilmore,” Mr Morrison said at the time.

“Andrew has an outstanding local reputation and a great deal to offer at the federal level, especially given his experience in the NSW Government. He tells it straight and would make a great member of our team.”

Originally published as Andrew Constance preselected as Scott Morrison looks to win back seat