A comment that linked fudge-making to running the country and a merger petition mix-up are some of the more interesting moments of Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis’ political career so far.

Since taking membership of the South Coast seat in 2013, now one of the most marginal in the country, Ms Sudmalis has found herself in the political spotlight on multiple occasions – often for contentious commentary on key policies.

The Liberal MP’s statement last week that planned cuts to Sunday and public holiday penalty rates were “a gift for young people” – in the context of increased job opportunities in a region of high youth unemployment – sparked uproar. 

READ MORE: Penalty rate cuts ‘a gift’ for young people

Following repeated Opposition attacks in Federal Parliament, which saw Ms Sudmalis in tears last Wednesday, she went to ground.

However, the MP this week added more fuel to the fire when she used her first interview to say the attacks were gender-driven.

“I don’t believe they would have gone after a male, three days in a row,” she said.

Ms Sudmalis also stood by the ‘gift’ comment, saying she would use the fracas as a “strengthening technique”.

It’s not the first time Ms Sudmalis has had her resolve tested on the back of her actions or commentary.

Just prior to the 2013 federal election, Ms Sudmalis (the then Liberal candidate to replace the retiring MP, Joanna Gash) was asked at a candidates’ forum about what a Coalition government would do to protect penalty rates for shift workers.

She responded by saying: “Any workplace relations legislation is on the table after the election, not before, so I’m sorry, I can’t answer your question.”

Then Opposition Leader Tony Abbott had released the Coalition’s industrial policies three months earlier, prompting Ms Sudmalis to issue as statement saying she had “incorrectly answered” the question and that “the pay and conditions of workers would be protected”. 

READ MORE: Sudmalis in tears as penalty rate debate heats up in Parliament

In 2014, the MP found herself in hot water for commenting that a proposed $5 co-payment for GPs cost the same as a cup of coffee. 

The comment was taken out of context, she said at the time. 

Last year, Ms Sudmalis signed a petition against the merger of Kiama and Shoalhaven councils and, in doing so, indicated she would vote against her own party at the next state election. 

The MP later said she had no idea she was signing a petition.

In February, Ms Sudmalis likened the government’s operations to making fudge. 

“Sometimes I think that running a country is a bit like running a business, and I can say that after 17 years of making fudge, sending it out and collecting money for the stuff I sent out,” the MP told Parliament on February 8, the second sitting day for 2017.