Latrobe-based defence contractor Malcolm (Mal) Hingston has been selected as the Liberal candidate for Braddon for the forthcoming Federal election.

Mr Hingston, who is currently engaged helping to deliver new radar systems for the Defence force around the country, also has a long history of work in the manufacturing, mining, oil and gas industries.

Mal was born and bred in Latrobe, where he still lives with his partner Raquel. He started his professional career as a Textile Mechanic at the carpet factory in East Devonport, before moving on to spend nearly five years in the design department at Elphinstone Pty Ltd in Burnie.

“I am a Liberal because I believe in individual effort, where a person from any background can work hard and get rewarded for their effort,” Mr Hingston said.

“Having worked in the manufacturing sector including at Elphinstone in Burnie, I am particularly keen to support manufacturing in Braddon, especially defence manufacturing that adds to our national security.

“I am also a strong supporter of our mining and other primary industries such as farming, fish farming and forestry, these industries are just so important to our local economy.”

Mal says that until recently his parents were foster carers, which gave him an exposure to a wide range of people from around the region while growing up.

“We never knew who would show up and for how long they would stay, but they were always welcome. The family has lost track of how many kids we have taken in over some 35 years, however, many are still very much involved with, and included in, family gatherings,” Mal said.

Retiring Federal Member for Braddon, Gavin Pearce, congratulated Mal on his successful pre-selection from an extremely high calibre field of candidates.

“Mal is a fantastic individual with a deep practical understanding of the issues that drive economic growth and jobs in Braddon - manufacturing, mining, farming, aquaculture, forestry. I will be working day and night to help get him elected.”

Mr Hingston was selected as the Liberal candidate by grass-roots Braddon Liberal members from a strong field of four candidates. Liberal President Michael McKenna congratulated and thanked all those who put their names forward to represent the Party.