The Canberra Times is today (May 12th 2022) reporting that there are questions over whether the Liberal candidate for the marginal seat of Eden-Monaro actually resides interstate.
The report says "Jerry Nockles is renting a property in the NSW electorate until just after the election, with his family remaining at their Canberra home, more than a two-hour drive away.
"Mr Nockles was one of nine eleventh-hour "captain's picks" installed in NSW during Scott Morrison's controversial intervention in local pre-selections.
"He has described himself as a Jindabyne resident since launching a bid to unseat incumbent Labor MP Kristy McBain in the former bellwether seat, and says he has lived "in and around the district" for over three decades.
"But neighbours have confirmed the candidate is a long-term ACT resident, with his family based in the upmarket suburb of Griffith".
Candidates do not need to live in the electorate they represent, but are required to declare their primary residence. A spokesperson for the Australian Electoral Commission said that definition is largely open to interpretation.
"It is up to an elector to nominate the address that in their view is where they live or have the closest connection to - their primary residence," they said.
