ScoMo backs candidate

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has thrown his full support behind Liberal candidate Fiona Kotvojs (pictured) for the vacant federal seat of Eden-Monaro, saying she knows how to get things done.

Dr Kotvojs, a former teacher, scientist and small business operator from Dignams Creek, won preselection on Saturday night over defence department official Mark Schweikert.

She has been given a second chance to have a crack at federal politics after narrowly losing to Labor’s Mike Kelly a year ago in the federal election.

Mr Kelly stood down from the seat earlier this month due to health reasons. A date hasn’t been set for the by-election but it is expected in late June or early July.

“I’m so pleased that she received that overwhelming endorsement of our local party members,” Mr Morrison told reporters in Murrumbateman, in the seat of Eden-Monaro yesterday.

“This is someone who knows how to get things done.”

Dr Kotvojs said it was an honour to stand in the seat again. “My community is who I am,” she said.

“It has formed me and as a consequence of that, I give back to the community and I see that as critically important.”