NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has welcomed a move by two women upper house ministers to run for prime Liberal seats on Sydney's northern beaches.
Natalie Ward has confirmed her intention to run in Davidson just days after Natasha Maclaren-Jones threw her hat in the ring for Pittwater after Rob Stokes flagged he was one of a growing band of coalition MPs retiring at the March election
The premier, who is keen to add diversity to Liberal Party ranks, hailed the development as "a great outcome for great local communities".
"They've had strong local representation and to have two ministers in the government wanting to run for the Legislative Assembly and represent their local communities," Mr Perrottet told reporters on Tuesday.
"I think is a wonderful thing.
"I want more women putting their hands up to run for parliament and to be in the cabinet."
Ms Ward will contest the northern beaches seat being vacated by retiring Speaker Jonathan O'Dea.
"I have lodged application forms to nominate for Liberal Party preselection for the electorate of Davidson," Ms Ward said in a statement.
Ms Ward has been an MLC since 2017 and in May last year was appointed minster for sport, multiculturalism, seniors and veterans before becoming roads minister as well as taking on the portfolios of women's safety and the prevention of domestic and sexual violence.
"As an experienced member of cabinet, I believe that I can provide the people of Davidson a strong voice in parliament," she said.
Liberal electorates in Sydney's north are expected to face challenges from independents, after a swathe of 'teal' MPs were swept to office in the May federal election.
The teals moniker was used to describe independent candidates with a 'blue' Liberal background carrying an environmental green tinge at the federal election.
Meanwhile, a community forum is being held on Wednesday night at Manly Leagues Club to find a candidate to contest the Wakehurst seat held by Health Minister Brad Hazzard for more than three decades.
The meeting has been organised by the "Keep Tony Out" group that led to the ousting of former Liberal prime minister Tony Abbott by independent Zali Steggal in Warringah in 2019.
"Find out why you need to vote Independent in the NSW March election," an Instagram post by the group says.
The Willoughby seat vacated by former premier Gladys Berejiklian is also seen as vulnerable after Tim James narrowly survived a challenge from independent Larissa James in a February by-election.
The electorate largely covers the same turf claimed by independent Kylea Tink in North Sydney in May.
Mr Perrottet brushed off the threat from independent challengers, saying the backlash against the federal coalition "was based on policy".
"When it comes to integrity, when it comes to women and when it comes to climate, on those key issues the NSW government leads the way," he said on Monday.
"Nominations are open and there's a lot of interest from strong women who want to run and represent their local community."
