Dr Jerry Nockles has been selected as the Liberal candidate for Eden-Monaro, following the federal leadership's decision to scrap NSW preselections.
The Liberal Party's federal executive announced the Pharmacy Guild of Australia executive as their pick on Saturday, alongside candidates in other key seats including Hughes and Parramatta.
Ex-Navy, Dr Nockles served in the defence force for 24 years, before working for World Vision Australia and the United Nations Children's Fund of Australia.
According to a Liberal party statement, Dr Nockles has three children with his wife Patience and has been an active community member through his participation as a Menslink mentor and the Rotary Club.
Dr Nockles will challenge Labor's Kristy McBain in the ultra-marginal electorate surrounding the ACT, after his only rival pulled out, following a court ruling a committee led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison could choose candidates.
The Prime Minister, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and Liberals president Christine McDiven endorsed candidates in nine seats on Saturday, preventing local branch members having their pick for the upcoming federal election.
Jenny Ware has been selected for Hughes and Maria Kovacic has been selected for Parramatta.
Dr Nockles was contacted for comment and did not respond to requests from The Canberra Times for an interview.
In a statement, he said this was the most critical election in a generation.
Dr Nockles said his electorate needed a strong and capable representative in the Morrison government to ensure local businesses got the support they needed to recover.
"If my community gives me a chance to represent them, I have the necessary experience to support the Morrison government's economic recovery plan, and make Australia a stronger and more secure nation," the statement said.
