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In politics, as in life, everyone needs a helping hand from mum and dad sometimes - and NSW MP Nickolas Varvaris is apparently no exception.
The Liberal member, who holds the ultra-marginal seat of Barton by a margin of just 0.3 per cent, was already facing a tough fight to be re-elected at the next federal election.
Then the Australian Electoral Commission released details of its planned redistribution of NSW seats last month, which turned Mr Varvaris' patch into a notionally Labor seat.
The proposed boundary changes, which will be finalised next February, have prompted high profile Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese to consider switching from the neighbouring seat of Grayndler to challenge Mr Varvaris for Barton.
Mr Varvaris (left) out in the community with deputy Liberal leader. Photo: Chris Lane
In a pair of identical submissions to the electoral commission, which are completed with almost identical handwriting, Mr and Mrs Varvaris have made an impassioned plea for a re-think of the proposed boundary changes to the seat of Barton.
Mr Varvaris' mum and dad, who live in the electorate, both argue that "the electorate of Barton is, and has historically always reflected, the St George region...to be included as part of the electorate of Cook [held by Treasurer Scott Morrison] does not truly reflect the community".
"Secondly, Botany Bay is a major identity to the St George area. Having the Bay divided between the two electorates will not only cause an identity issue but also lead to issues of co-ordination regarding funding," Mr and Mrs Varvaris argue.
"Ever since the establishment of the electorate of Barton in 1922, my suburb of Sans Souci has been included under the electorate of Barton. Resultantly, I would like to see my suburb remain part of the electorate of Barton and reflective of the St George region.
"I sincerely hope the AEC takes into account the abovementioned concerns I share with many other residents in my suburb. May I reiterate that I wish to remain part of the electorate Barton."
The submissions are just two of dozens and dozens from across NSW to the AEC about the controversial redistribution, which will ultimately see the state lose one seat to Western Australia by the time the next election is held.
It does not appear, however, that the mum or dad of any other MP affected by the change has directly petitioned the AEC.
Comment has been sought from the junior Mr Varvaris.
