New South Wales MP Andrew Constance has confirmed he will quit state politics to run at the next federal election.
Key points:
- Andrew Constance’s announcement comes two days after Gladys Berejiklian’s resignation
- Last year he mounted a failed bid to transition to federal politics
- The Health Minister praised his work, saying he sacrificed a lot of himself for his community
The Transport and Roads Minister said it was heartbreaking to see what happened to Gladys Berejiklian — “one of the most incredible Premiers the state has ever had”— but with her resignation comes change.
“I’m part of that change, and I want to indicate after months of speculation I will be putting my name forward for local Liberal preselection for the seat of Gilmore with an eye to moving to federal parliament,” Mr Constance said.
“I know how tough this period is for Glad but I just want to say ‘thank you’, and I know a lot of people around the state are sad with what’s transpired.”
He also confirmed he would not contest the NSW Liberal leadership and would tender his resignation this week after serving for almost two decades in state politics.
Rumours were swirling for some time that Mr Constance would be running for a seat in the next federal election, and he was tipped to contest the traditionally Liberal seat on NSW’s south coast.
AAP: Bianca De Marchi
)Gilmore was held by the Liberals for more than 20 years until the last election, when Labor’s Fiona Phillips won it in a contest against Warren Mundine.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he welcomed Mr Constance’s bid to be part of the federal team.
“Andrew has an outstanding local reputation and a great deal to offer at the federal level,” Mr Morrison said.
“Especially given his experience in the NSW government. He tells it straight and would make a great member of our team.”
Mr Constance’s announcement comes just two days after premier Gladys Berejiklian’s sudden resignation.
Ms Berejiklian announced she was stepping down as premier, and leaving parliament, an hour after the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) announced she was the subject of an investigation.
Mr Constance was considered an outside chance to replace Ms Berejiklian, but was not expected to have enough support from his colleagues.
At this morning’s daily COVID-19 briefing Health Minister Brad Hazzard said he had just found about Mr Constance’s departure.
He praised his hard work during the Black Saturday bushfires and wished him well.
“He has sacrificed a lot of himself for the community that he represents,” Mr Hazzard said.
“No-one could forget Andrew’s sadness and his passion when there have been terrible events in his community, not just the pandemic but bushfires.
“Whatever he does he will always be a very major contributor to his community.”
Last year, Mr Constance mounted a failed bid to transition to federal politics when he sought pre-selection for the seat of Eden Monaro after MP Mike Kelly resigned.
He abandoned that plan less than 24 hours after putting his hand up, saying he needed to remain focused on the bushfire recovery in his electorate, and be “grateful for the opportunities I already have”.
Mr Constance has held his seat of Bega for 17 years, but rose to national prominence last summer for his regular public appearances during the bushfire crisis.
ABC News: Chantelle Al-Khouri
)He became an empathetic figure, discussing mental health issues, and even slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison after an awkward visit to one of the local communities.
Mr Constance said Mr Morrison got “the welcome he probably deserved” when he was heckled by angry residents in the bushfire-ravaged town of Cobargo.
Mr Constance entered cabinet when the Coalition took office in NSW in 2011, and held the role of treasurer for a year before becoming Transport Minister.
In this role he oversaw the completion of the controversial CBD light rail project, as well as the opening of the first stages of WestConnex and Metro NorthWest.
