State Liberals need Sinodinos in ranks

ARTHUR Sinodinos argued on The Australian's opinion page yesterday that Peter Costello should consider state politics because he would make an excellent Victorian premier. Perhaps. But not as good a premier as Sinodinos would make state treasurer or finance minister in NSW.

ARTHUR Sinodinos argued on The Australian's opinion page yesterday that Peter Costello should consider state politics because he would make an excellent Victorian premier. Perhaps. But not as good a premier as Sinodinos would make state treasurer or finance minister in NSW.

John Howard's former chief of staff may have ruled himself out of contention for the federal seat of Bradfield, being vacated by Brendan Nelson, but he should consider a career in state politics -- his NSW Liberal colleagues need the help.

Many Liberals scoff at the value of state politics. Such wayward thinking is part of an erosion of federalism that has crept into conservative thinking.

I had always assumed Sinodinos felt that way, but consider his words yesterday when he said "many of the greatest challenges we face in service delivery are the responsibility of state governments", and the states "still do many useful things".

Sinodinos might see worthwhile challenges in entering state parliament and trying to repair NSW. And why not? The Coalition are likely to be in the political wilderness federally for the foreseeable future, but in NSW they are on the cusp of a return to power.

Former state Liberal leader Peter Debnam intends to retire at the next election, giving Sinodinos his opening in the state seat of Vaucluse, in Sydney's east, where he lives.

If that didn't work out, an upper house MP past their used-by date should step aside to get Sinodinos into the parliament before the next election.

With a young family, Sinodinos no doubt flinched at the idea of spending much of his time in Canberra. But in NSW, Parliament House is located on Macquarie Street in Sydney, a 15-minute drive from where he lives.

The NSW Liberals are inexperienced in the art of governance. Only two in their parliamentary line-up have previously served as ministers.

By adding Sinodinos to the line-up, with his considerable government experience and credibility as one of the architects of the economic management of the Howard government, the gain for the opposition would be immense.

It would also help to overcome the credibility-sapping performance of leader Barry O'Farrell as he defies conservative principles by opposing electricity privatisation and the publishing of school leagues tables.

Who knows -- in time, Sinodinos may even take a liking to the leadership.