Icon homes ought be considered for government selloff at Kirribilli

The images of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the French President Emmanuel Macron looked fantastique last week on the lawn at Kirribilli House.

But are taxpayers getting value for money, when these days the home is used principably for dinners and press conferences?

With views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, both Kirribilli House and the neighbouring Admiralty House, there for the Governor-General's pleasure, rank among the city's most prestigious real estate. 

The Gothic Revival residence has been the Prime Minister's Sydney home since the 1930s, but I'd suggest Treasurer Scott Morrison's budget tonight ought signal one or maybe both homes should be sold. Let them just entertain in Canberra at The Lodge and Government House.

It was last flagged in 2004 when the then Federal Opposition leader Mark Latham foreshadowed that he would sell the harbourside mansion.

John and Janette Howard stayed put.

At the time it elicited speculation it could fetch around $50 million which would be handy revenue, but more importantly send a stocktaking message.

Even had Malcolm and Lucy opted to downsize from their Point Piper harbour front, the question still needs to be asked.

While it might not go down well with those who politicians who like icons, the Federal Government should not be Sydney-centric.

This article first appeared in The Sunday Telegraph.