Anthony Albanese has thrown his support behind Bega Valley mayor Kristy McBain to be Labor's candidate for the Eden-Monaro by-election.
The federal leader's backing puts Ms McBain on course to win pre-selection after nominations close on Monday.
She came to national prominence during summer's devastating bushfires.
triggered a by-election in the southern NSW seat.
The Liberals opened nominations on Friday and will hold a pre-selection ballot in about a month, while Speaker of the House of Representatives Tony Smith takes advice on a date for the poll.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro is weighing up whether to run for the Nationals, making it a three-cornered contest.
Serious kidney issues and deteriorating osteoarthritis stemming from Mr Kelly's army service have hampered his ability to travel through his country seat of Eden-Monaro.
Labor MP Mike Kelly. Source: AAP
Eden-Monaro takes in the bushfire-hit town of Cobargo, whose residents gave the prime minister an extremely hostile reception earlier this year.
Ms McBain, who made national media appearances during summer's bushfire crisis, said she wanted to hit the reset button for the southern NSW electorate.
"I don't want my community to be left behind and at the moment my community is being left behind," she told reporters in Canberra on Friday.
The area is grappling with the fallout from bushfires, drought and coronavirus.
Labor candidate for preselection for the seat of Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain. Source: AAP
"We do not and are not receiving the support that we need so I want to be here in this parliament to provide a fierce voice for my community," Ms McBain said.
Mr Albanese said Ms McBain had been a standout local representative during her past eight years on the Bega Valley Shire Council.
"She is a strong and articulate person. She is someone who has been on the ground when the people of Eden-Monaro have needed people to be present," he said.
