"I've never seen the point of bringing a federal politician into a state election."
For the cynics; It can be handy for the federal polly.
Let's say they live in WA and want to check out their investment property in Qld.
If they do some electoral work whilst there they can claim expenses on the taxpayer.
Same thing might occur if a polly wanted to take part in a cycling event.
Do a bit of electoral work and air fares, accommodation and daily allowance are covered by the taxpayer.
