Latrobe-based Mal Hingston to run as Liberal Braddon candidate in upcoming federal election

The man tasked with keeping the North-West seat of Braddon in federal Liberal hands for the third time in a row has been unveiled following incumbent Gavin Pearce’s retirement.

Liberal member for Braddon Gavin Pearce won’t contest the next federal election after holding onto the seat for two terms. Picture: Simon Sturzaker

A defence contractor with previous experience in the manufacturing, mining, oil and gas industries has been selected as the Liberal candidate for the seat of Braddon in the upcoming federal election.

Latrobe-based Mal Hingston will be hoping to win the North-West seat for the Liberals for a third time in a row federally.

Incumbent Gavin Pearce announced he would step down as Braddon’s federal representative in June at the end of his second term.

At the time, Mr Pearce told The Mercury the primary reason behind his decision was to spend more time with his family.

Braddon Liberal candidate for the upcoming federal election Mal Hingston.

Mr Hingston, who is currently helping to deliver new radar systems for the defence force around the country, started his career as a textile mechanic at the carpet factory in East Devonport before spending nearly five years in the design department at Elphinstone in Burnie.

“I am a Liberal because I believe in individual effort, where a person from any

background can work hard and get rewarded for their effort,” Mr Hingston said.

“Having worked in the manufacturing sector, including at Elphinstone in Burnie, I am

particularly keen to support manufacturing in Braddon, especially defence

manufacturing that adds to our national security.

“I am also a strong supporter of our mining and other primary industries, such as

farming, fish farming and forestry, these industries are just so important to our local

economy.”

Mr Hingston said his parents’ role as foster carers had helped him grow up with exposure to a wide range of people around the region.

“We never knew who would show up and for how long they would stay, but they were

always welcome.

“The family has lost track of how many kids we have taken in over some 35 years. However, many are still very much involved with, and included in, family gatherings.”

The outgoing Mr Pearce congratulated Mr Hingston on his pre-selection.

“Mal is a fantastic individual with a deep practical understanding of the issues that drive

economic growth and jobs in Braddon – manufacturing, mining, farming, aquaculture,

Forestry,” he said.

“I will be working day and night to help get him elected.”

The upcoming federal election will be held on or before 27 September 2025.

Labor has not yet announced its federal candidate for Braddon.