Member for Bega Andrew Constance is facing harsh comments from the NSW Opposition over his attempt to move to federal politics.
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On Tuesday, Mr Constance announced he would nominate for the Liberals' pre-selection for Eden-Monaro, as the resignation of former MP Mike Kelly has triggered a by-election in the seat.
When confirming his bid to run he called for a national response to traumas such as bushfires.
"One massive hole in recovery is the health and wellbeing of our local people," he said.
He called for more accountability from charities and said there was a need to reflect on the national legislation regarding charities.
His announcement followed the news former Bega Valley Shire mayor Kristy McBain will stand as Labor's candidate in the by-election.
Responding to his announcement, Ms McBain said it would have been a "big decision" given Mr Constance had previously expressed his desire to leave politics, and she had "a lot of respect for Andrew".
"But I think the thing I'm hearing is people are keen to see a change in Canberra and the people who represent them," Ms McBain said.
"My focus is on the needs and wants of the people of Eden-Monaro."
At a press conference on Tuesday, Manager of Opposition Business Ryan Park said Mr Constance had "clocked off and wants to do another job".
He said the state government should be focusing on bringing legislation to parliament to improve the lives of people living in the COVID-19 pandemic.
"But what we see is a government who's more interested in what jobs and next jobs their ministers are having, rather than securing the jobs of millions of NSW residents," Mr Park said.
NSW Shadow Treasurer Walt Secord said Mr Constance, who is the leader of the house - a position that involves setting and arranging the government's legislative program, had "been invisible for the last few weeks".
"We have been on the phone to him, texting him, calling him, saying 'get the parliament back in session'," he said.
"Schools are going back, people are starting to go back to work, but Andrew Constance won't let us get back to our job, and that's because he's worrying about his new job, or trying to get his new job."
Mr Constance is not alone in running for the Liberals' pre-selection.
Last year's Liberal candidate for Eden-Monaro Fiona Kotvojs, who narrowly lost to Dr Kelly, and Liberal Senator Jim Molan have previously stated they wanted to run for pre-selection, with Dr Kotvojs on Tuesday confirming she had already nominated.
"I think it's a great thing to have a very strong field," she said in response to Mr Constance's announcement.
Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
