[1] This was triggered by the resignation of former treasurer and former Liberal Party deputy leader Peter Costello.

At the 2007 federal election, the opposition Kevin Rudd-led Labor Party defeated the incumbent John Howard-led Liberal-National coalition government.

On the defeat of the Howard government in 2007, Costello declined to become Liberal leader and a position in the shadow ministry and returned to the backbenches.

[4] Costello had initially indicated (15 June 2009) he would stay as the member until the next election, at which time he would retire from parliament.

[8] The following table is the order and party affiliation of each candidate that has nominated to contest the seat of Higgins.