By-election backflip

NSW transport minister changes mind on tilt at Eden-Monaro

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance admits people will be “confused” by his decision to quit the Liberal preselection race for Eden-Monaro, just 24 hours after announcing he was nominating.

Mr Constance, the state MP for Bega, on Tuesday said he wanted to head to Canberra to put issues on the national agenda including bushfire recovery and COVID-19.

But yesterday he unexpectedly announced: “I have decided not to contest Liberal Party preselection for the (federal) seat of Eden-Monaro. I need to remain focused on the bushfire recovery and be grateful for the opportunities I already have,” he said in a statement.

“The community’s needs at this difficult time must be the centre of the campaign.

“I appreciate people will be confused by my actions over the past couple of days and for that I am sorry.”

Mr Constance had earlier cancelled a scheduled photoshoot at his NSW south coast home with AAP, stating in a text message: “That won’t be happening sorry.”

Asked about Mr Constance’s about-face, NSW deputy premier John Barilaro’s office yesterday said: “The deputy premier has just learned of this and his position hasn’t changed.”

Mr Barilaro revealed on Monday he would not contest the south coast seat for the Nationals.

Eden-Monaro was vacated last week when popular Labor member Mike Kelly retired due to ill health.

Liberal senator Jim Molan and the Liberals’ 2019 candidate for the seat, Fiona Kotvojs, are also believed to be considering a run in the seat.

Senator Molan’s office yesterday said: “The senator is keeping his options open.” If he was preselected, the NSW Liberals would then need to fill the casual Senate vacancy, potentially providing another route for Mr Constance to head to Canberra.