Former NSW Minister David Elliott could run for federal Parramatta seat in political comeback

One of NSW’s most outspoken and controversial politicians wants to re-enter the political realm, with former NSW minister David Elliott preparing to make a tilt at federal politics.

David Elliott would like to return to politics at a federal level.

One of the state’s most outspoken and controversial politicians wants to re-enter the political realm – with former NSW minister David Elliott preparing to make a tilt at federal politics – if boundary changes go his way.

The seasoned and outspoken politician has revealed he is seriously considering a political comeback – if the federal seat of Parramatta is redistributed to encompass more Hills suburbs and lead him to represent many of his former constituents.

The former Baulkham Hills state Liberal MP quit politics last year when his seat was abolished and he became the NSW and ACT chief executive of Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia.

It is understood several party members have approached the former police, transport and western Sydney minister to rejoin politics if the redistribution makes it a “winnable” seat in the May 2025 Federal Election.

The Liberals have already endorsed lawyer Katie Mullens as its federal candidate, but a redistribution would mean fresh candidates with preselections likely to be held after September.

The Liberal hopeful would be pitted against Labor’s Parramatta incumbent Andrew Charlton, who holds the seat with a 4.3 per cent margin.

David Elliott at the recent Daily Telegraph Future Western Sydney event at Rosehill Gardens. Picture: Richard Dobson

Incumbent Parramatta MP Andrew Charlton. Picture: Martin Ollman

Mr Elliott said he never wanted to leave politics but his seat was abolished and if an opportunity arose he would like to return.

“You can safely say that I’ve committed to think about it very seriously,’’ Mr Elliott said.

The Electoral Commission is due to hand down its preliminary suggestions for new boundaries in the second quarter of the year, which would be finalised in October.

Mr Elliott said the changes would have to go north into suburbs such as Winston Hills, North Rocks and Carlingford for him to return to politics.

“If it pushes Parramatta south into Villawood and Merrylands, well then there’s no use of me running because I don’t have any profile out there,’’ he said.

“But if the seat is pushed north or northeast into my old electorate, or if Greenway crosses Old Windsor Rd into my old electorate, of course, I’m only human, of course I would seriously consider it.’’

The Parramatta seat currently comprises Camellia, Clyde, Constitution Hill, Dundas Valley, Granville, Harris Park, Holroyd, Mays Hill, North Parramatta, Oatlands, Rosehill, Rydalmere, Telopea, Wentworthville, Westmead; and parts of Carlingford, Dundas, Ermington, Guildford, Merrylands, North Rocks, Northmead, Old Toongabbie, Pendle Hill, South Granville, South Wentworthville and Toongabbie.

Liberal sources say the possible shake-up of the western Sydney seat could leave Mr Charlton “spitting the dummy”.

Mr Charlton has vowed to run for Parramatta again no matter who his opponent is.

“I love Parramatta, I believe Parramatta is the future of Australia and I’m honoured to represent it and completely committed to doing that to the best of my ability,’’ he said.

Katie Mullens with former Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee in March 2023. Picture: Julian Andrews

Labor insiders slammed a potential comeback for Mr Elliott.

“The transparent attempts by a former Liberal MP to undermine an endorsed female candidate in Parramatta is a sign that the Liberals have learned nothing from the problems that cost them the state election,’’ one source said.

Mr Elliott declined to comment about the remark.

It is understood the Liberals want Ms Mullens to run as a candidate for Parramatta Council in the local government elections in September, which would give her a chance to raise her profile ahead of the federal poll next year.

Parramatta state Labor MP Donna Davis emphatically defeated Ms Mullens in the 2023 state poll.

Ms Mullens did not answer questions about the potential boundary changes but said her focus was on the federal election.

“Peter Dutton has been campaigning in Parramatta with me, even visiting the small business where I began my working life, and his message about tackling Labor’s cost of living crisis has been really resonating here,’’ she said.

“I will continue campaigning with the great support I’ve been receiving from our MPs, party members and the local community driving me to succeed at the coming federal election.’’

Mr Elliott was recently reappointed to the board of the Castle Hill RSL Group which incorporates Club Parramatta.

He was appointed the chief executive of the IPWEA in May last year.

“At the moment life is going well in the private sector and I’m really, really enjoying it,’’ he said.