The Coalition is intensifying campaign efforts for the Canning by-election, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott and former leader John Howard travelling to the electorate this week.

The Liberal Party pre-selected former SAS soldier Andrew Hastie following the death of popular local Liberal member Don Randall, who held the seat with a margin of almost 12 per cent.

A recent poll showed the Government could face a 10 per cent swing against it, pointing to a close contest.

A spokesperson for Mr Howard told ABC's 7.30 the former PM had made a personal decision to spend Thursday afternoon in Canning because he was a strong supporter of Mr Hastie.

Liberal Party frontbenchers have acknowledged the contest will be "tough", and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop previously told the Coalition party room that a swing against the Government was "inevitable".

Some Coalition MPs have said they believe the result will be a test of Mr Abbott's leadership.

But the Prime Minister told reporters at a campaign media event in Western Australia this morning that "It's not about me, it's about the people of Canning".

"This election is about who can best represent the people of Canning in Canberra," he said.

'Significant disconnect' between speculation and reality

Mr Abbott was asked a number of questions about whether the poll would have a bearing on his future, before Mr Hastie stepped in to respond on the Prime Minister's behalf.

"I don't have time to take counsel from the east coast Twitterati," Mr Hastie said.

"There's a significant disconnect between what people are saying over in the east and what is happening here in Canning.

"The people of Canning are concerned about jobs, the problems of ice and infrastructure, so I'm focused on the ground game here."

Mr Abbott thanked his candidate for speaking up.

"I am very happy to have this particular candidate chime in, I really am," Mr Abbott said.

"This is the great thing about Andrew Hastie. Andrew Hastie is a man of character, a man of substance, a man who speaks his mind when it's needed."

Mr Abbott said he was expecting Labor to put on an "absolute blitz" in the West Australian seat until polling day.

"Who do you trust to fight for your interests and not to be the cat's paw of anyone else?" he said.

"Who do you think has the courage, the intestinal fortitude, the strength of mind and the strength of character to stand up for you?"

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will be in Canning on Thursday, campaigning alongside the Labor Party candidate, lawyer Matt Keogh.

Twelve candidates are standing in the by-election and more than 112,000 people are enrolled to vote on September 19.