 She was subsequently preselected unopposed for the seat of Goulburn, to replace retiring Liberal frontbencher Peta Seaton.Goward was expected to win the seat, however an unexpectedly strong swing to Labor in the Southern Highlands area of the seat put her victory in doubt on election night.Her main contender, the Independent Mayor of Goulburn, Paul Stephenson, conceded defeat on 29 March 2007.