Former premier and now Labor candidate for the south-west Sydney seat of Fowler Kristina Keneally has responded to fury over her preselection campaign.

Critics have noted the northern beaches resident is being parachuted into the electorate due to conflict on Labor’s Senate ticket, ousting local candidate Tu Le in the process.

In a radio exclusive interview with Joe Hildebrand on Afternoons, Ms Keneally said the storm is “one I’ve really kind of welcomed”.

“I do think it’s fair to ask ‘how do we ensure that our parliaments represent the community?’

“I don’t shirk from that.

“But I’d also just make the point that I made a deliberate decision here to seek to represent Fowler … it’s a community that really has been doing it tough for a number of years.”

Of her move to the constituency from her northern beaches home, Ms Keneally made the “clear commitment” to living in Fowler before the election and staying there even if she loses.

The house hunt has already begun, however she refused to confirm whether she would be buying or renting.

“We’re looking at different types of properties at the moment, but I don’t think we’ve made a final decision on those questions.

“There’s also the need to get in quickly … the election could be this year.”

Press PLAY below to hear the exclusive interview