The high-profile principal of Punchbowl Boys' High School, Jihad Dib, is understood to be in talks with the ALP about the possibility of standing as the state candidate for the seat of Lakemba next year.

Sitting member Robert Furolo will not be standing as a candidate in the state election. It is understood the ALP executive is keen for Mr Dib to win a rank and file preselection but it is not yet clear whether he would win the support of the branch.

The NSW ALP says it is broadening its pool of election candidates from union officials and political aides to include teachers, nurses and small business operators.

NSW Labor general secretary Jamie Clements said the party's selection of Craig Ashby, a Wilcannia school teacher and member of the Gamilaraay Aboriginal nation, was the latest example of that trend.

Other recently selected candidates include midwife Obray Smith in Oatley, Lake Macquarie mayor Jodie Harris in Charlestown and David Harris in Wyong. The Labor candidate for Kiama, Glenn Kolomeitz, works as a barrister in Gerroa and is a former army and police officer. ALP candidate Jenny Aitchison runs a travel company in the seat of Maitland.