Andrew Mensaros, a Hungarian immigrant, had held Floreat for the Liberal Party since the seat's creation at the 1968 state election.
[3] The Labor Party chose not to contest the by-election, as Floreat was regarded as a Liberal safe seat.
Michael Huston won preselection for the Liberal Party, with the endorsement of Senator Noel Crichton-Browne (a powerbroker).
[4] Liz Constable had initially contested Liberal preselection, but withdrew from the process amid claims of branch stacking.
[6] Her chief opponent at the by-election, Michael Huston, contested the Senate at the 1996 federal election, but was placed in the unwinnable fourth position on the Liberal ticket.