Federal Labor have attracted criticism for parachuting former premier Kristina Keneally into the safe south-west Sydney seat of Fowler, elevating her over a local candidate.

Sydney MP Tanya Plibersek defended the decision, telling Clinton Maynard Ms Keneally has committed to moving from the northern beaches into her new electorate if successful.

“I think it’s really important to live in your electorate.

“You do need to be able to speak up for the day-to-day lives of the people that you represent, and you can’t know that by visiting occasionally.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview

Image: Sam Mooy/Getty Images