Indi MP Cathy McGowan plays second fiddle to Liberals at Spirit of Anzac launch

Ms McGowan was a noticeable absentee from many of the official parts of the hour-long opening that was  attended by Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Ms McGowan did not take part in a walk-through of the exhibition with Mr Abbott beforehand, an official photograph or take a position on stage during the speeches.

Ms McGowan said she didn't feel "sidelined", but admitted the launch had signalled the beginning of the Liberals' assault on reclaiming Indi.

Liberal candidate Sophie Mirabella joined Mr Abbott on the exhibition walk-through.

"I am very conscious of the fact the Prime Minister talked a lot to Liberal Party people," Ms McGowan said.

"I just think he took the opportunity to begin the Liberal Party campaign in Indi. I didn't feel sidelined because the whole day was about the launch. But the campaign has well and truly begun.

"The Prime Minister has nailed his colours to the mast and the people of Indi will get a really good choice."

Mr Abbott also made mention of former Liberal politicians in the crowd including Mrs Mirabella, her predecessor in Indi, Lou Lieberman, and Brendan Nelson, who is the director of the Australian War Memorial.

The memorial has donated many of the items on display during the Spirit of Anzac centenary exhibition which is on at the Wodonga Sports and Leisure Centre until September 10.

Greens candidate Jenny O'Connor said Ms McGowan was entitled to a more prominent role on the day than Mrs Mirabella.

"I find it interesting Sophie is attending a lot of official events when she has no more of a role in the election than any other candidate," Ms O'Connor said.

"She isn't the local member, Cathy McGowan is the local member."

The official party included Mr Abbott, member for Farrer Sussan Ley, Wodonga mayor Rod Wangman, Commonwealth Bank chief Ian Narev and Telstra boss Andrew Penn. Mr Abbott was greeted by former deputy PM Tim Fischer in his role as exhibition envoy.