Former human rights commissioner Tim Wilson has gambled his $400,000 a year job to punt on a career in Canberra, and won pre-selection in the safe Liberal seat of Goldstein.

Mr Wilson beat Georgina Downer, the daughter of former foreign minister Alexander Downer, and local favourite, Denis Dragovic, during pre-selection in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon.

Tim Wilson has won the safe Liberal seat of Goldstein. Credit: Justin McManus

Ms Downer was eliminated after the first round of voting, leaving Mr Wilson and Mr Dragovic.

Mr Wilson won a close head-to-head vote by just two votes.