Reliable allies since then, when Smith literally crashed his car, Frydenberg took days to ask him (very softly) to consider his options, initially defending him as “a very strong advocate for his local community.” .
When Smith later raised his hand unsuccessfully to head the Institute of Public Affairs, Frydenberg supported it. For all the good that the relationship did.
Smith now predicts that his pre-selected successor, former Frydenberg employee Jess Wilson, will lose Kew in the next state election. We are hesitant to volunteer to do otherwise.
Last weekend Smith was on the ground campaigning not for Frydenberg but for Alan Tudge at Aston headquarters, two federal voters from the political base he and Frydenberg share. Well, you know what they say about friends in politics …