Prime Minister Scott Morrison is talking down the prospect of claiming control of a marginal seat despite a hot field of potential coalition candidates.
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Labor MP Mike Kelly is expected to resign from federal parliament within days, triggering a by-election in the southern NSW electorate of Eden-Monaro.
Mr Morrison confirmed the Liberal Party would contest the seat and expected the Nationals would also run a candidate.
But he said it would be a once-in-a-100 year event for a government to pick up an opposition seat at a by-election.
"That would be a rather extraordinary outcome but it's one we will put our best foot forward for in this environment," Mr Morrison told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.
NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance could contest the seat for the Liberal Party.
Mr Constance, who shot to prominence during the summer bushfire crisis, has previously said he will quit politics once the recovery is complete.
But the state MP is not ruling out a tilt at federal politics.
He said Dr Kelly was a great guy and had been an incredible member of parliament.
"Out of respect for him, I just wish everybody would let him make some statements and get on with this," Mr Constance told reporters on Wednesday.
"My job at the moment is to help our community in this state get through fires and COVID-19. I can't tell you how important that is for people.
"Our community at the moment, it doesn't need a massive political bunfight going on and that's why it's important, out of respect, to give Mike some dignity and let him make the comments."
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is keen to hold on to her state cabinet colleague.
"I'd love to see him stay in NSW. It's ultimately his decision," she told reporters.
Mr Kelly is expected to retire from federal parliament within days, having long battled chronic health problems dating to his army service in Iraq.
A by-election for the marginal seat could be held within months.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Liberal senator Jim Molan have been touted as possible candidates, along with former state Labor candidate Bryce Wilson.
Australian Associated Press
