Bill Shorten's hand-picked candidate for the crucial Batman byelection, high profile union leader Ged Kearney, does not live in the seat she is trying to win.

In an embarrassing revelation for Labor - which is trying desperately to hold back the Green tide and hang on to what was once ALP heartland - Fairfax Media can reveal Ms Kearney actually lives in the neighbouring seat of Wills.

A search of property records has confirmed that Ms Kearney's Brunswick home places her outside the electorate, meaning she can't even vote for herself at the March 17 poll.

Labor's candidate for Batman Ged Kearney lives outside the electorate. Credit:Paul Jeffers

Just a week ago, when Ms Kearney's candidacy was announced, she spoke at length about her connection to the inner-Melbourne seat.