Mr Morrison was a guest speaker at a Liberal Party fundraiser held at the home of former Indi MP Sophie Mirabella on Saturday.

He enjoyed a home-cooked spread of food and mingled with guests before speaking about his former colleague and the federal budget.

“I miss Sophie and Sophie’s representation has been something really lacking in Parliament,” he said.

“Cathy (McGowan) is a nice person, she is well regarded and she is professional to deal with,” he said.

“There is nothing personal about any of this. When we lost Sophie we lost someone with enormous talent and experience; she was another very strong female voice in our team.

“I thought she (Sophie) brought a really important perspective and I’d love to see that perspective back.”

Saturday’s event publicly kicked off the Liberals’ campaign for the seat of Indi ahead of the 2016 federal election.

Mrs Mirabella was tight-lipped as to whether she was interested in putting her hand up as the Liberal candidate.

But committee members who attended said the party would be looking to name a candidate sooner rather than later.

Caroline Elliott from the party’s administrative committee travelled from Melbourne for the brunch.

She said candidate pre-selection was on the agenda for a meeting to be held on Thursday, but she would not put a timeframe on the process.

“Our members have indicated that early pre-selection is important to them and the electorate is ready to have a candidate,” she said.

“We have had a strong feel coming forward and a lot of interest in the seat which we encourage, it’s good for the party.”

Field officer for Indi Karen Rourke helped organise the event and is responsible for helping to promote women in the party.

She said a turnout of 200 people was indicative of the Liberals making a strong run.

“We have been working for the past 18 months talking and planning to find out what the electorate needs, we have been here,” she said.

“Now we have got to get moving, because people want to know who is running.”

While Mr Morrison showed his support for Mrs Mirabella, she too returned the favour.

“This man will be the next conservative prime minister of Australia after a long Abbott government reign,” Mrs Mirabella said during her speech.

“Too many politicians are too concerned about being liked rather than getting things done.

“I will be working together with all other people locally to work on the return of the Coalition — that’s what you do as a party member.”