Tony Abbott and Malcolm Turnbul won’t join Liberals’ election campaign

Neither Tony Abbott nor Malcolm Turnbull will attend the NSW Liberal election campaign launch on Sunday, leaving John Howard and Scott Morrison carrying the torch for the state’s prime ministers.

• State Election Poll: East Hills, Ryde to be vital seats
• Parties push out policies for pre-poll rush

Tony Abbott nor Malcolm Turnbull will attend the NSW Liberal election campaign launch on Sunday, leaving John Howard and Scott Morrison carrying the torch for the state’s prime ministers.

However, it can be revealed that Mr Turnbull has offered to record a robo-call or write a letter of support in the marginal seat of Coogee to help his friend and at-risk MP Bruce Notley-Smith.

Mr Turnbull, who is overseas in London, has already recorded a video supporting Mr Notley-Smith’s campaign and supported the MP on the hustings.

Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull won’t be attending the Liberal election campaign. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

But he will help support his friend Bruce Notley-Smith fight for the seat of Coogee. Picture: Monique Harmer

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Mr Turnbull — who is close to Premier Gladys Berejiklian — is seen as a positive force in the progressive seat of Coogee.

Mr Howard has turned down invitations to local seat launches in this election, but confirmed his attendance at Sunday’s federal launch yesterday.

Mr Abbott will spend Sunday focusing on local matters in his electorate.

The party has grappled with the integration of federal leaders into the campaign, with concern the leadership instability of Canberra would have a negative impact.

Initially, Premier Gladys Berejiklian declared she wanted to “run her own race”, but on Monday was joined by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the campaign trail for the first time.

The Premier said she would not be keeping Mr Morrison away from the state election and that he would attend the launch on Sunday — but NSW was still standing on its own.

“NSW has always stood on its own. We’re resilient, we’re the strongest in the nation and I’m a premier who will always do what’s in the best interest of NSW,” she said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she wanted to “run her own race” but was joined by Scott Morrison on the campaign trail on Monday. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Ms Berejiklian also warned voters about the risk of a minority government.

“The consequences for the state (of minority government) would be that the state would miss out on the strong vision my government has for the future,” she said yesterday.

“My government wants to ensure we create a society, the next stage of NSW where people have access to the best jobs, where we take pressure off families, where we reduce the pressure they’re feeling. That doesn’t happen by accident, it happens with a government with a clear vision.

“I know the people of NSW will tell us themselves what they think, but I also know they want stability — a strong government that has their interests at heart … it’s not about me, it’s about them.”

She ruled out forming minority government with the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party.

“We will not be in government with the Shooters, their policy platform does not support the values we represent,” she said.