The Liberal Party cant exist for itself: Constance on life after politics – Sydney Morning Herald

Former NSW transport minister Andrew Constance does not have a plan B.

For the first time in 20 years, Constance is not a politician after bowing out of his long career in state politics to contest the federal seat of Gilmore. But the long-term state minister did not think it would end like this.

Former NSW transport minister Andrew Constance has not ruled out a future in politics.Credit:Janie Barrett

Counting came down to the wire, but his federal ambitions fell short by just 373 votes, and Constance failed to pick up the South Coast seat the Liberals were pinning their hopes on. His request for a recount was knocked back by the Australian Electoral Commission, but for now, he is happy.

However, the fire in his belly has not gone. The career MP hasnt ruled out another tilt at Canberra, although he says the troubled NSW division of the party he joined as a Young Liberal needs to find its way or face irrelevance.

The party cant exist for itself, its got to exist for the community, Constance said. Its got to reflect community values and community thinking. Politics cant continue as a dog-eat-dog world because it isnt resulting in good outcomes for our community.

While Constance, 48, was a constant and senior figure in the NSW Coalition after it was swept to power in 2011, he rose to prominence after the deadly Black Summer fires. He almost lost his home in Malua Bay on the final day of 2019. That day, New Years Eve, changed me forever, he later said.

Andrew Constance, pictured in January 2020, was personally caught up in the Black Summer bushfires. Credit:Kate Geraghty

He publicly clashed with then prime minister Scott Morrison, who Constance said probably got the welcome he deserved after an ill-fated trip to the fire-ravaged town of Cobargo, where Morrison was heckled by locals.

I know this is tough, and I know Im on his side of politics. But the only two people who are providing leadership at this stage are [NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner] Shane Fitzsimmons and [premier] Gladys Berejiklian, Constance said at the time.

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The Liberal Party cant exist for itself: Constance on life after politics - Sydney Morning Herald