It's not about the pay packet, as that nice Mr Trumbull demonstrated. I think it has more to do with timing, and perhaps charisma. We all know that Dutton is unelectable and is just a seat warmer. A sensible move would be to see who comes out of the woodwork when the inevitable spill happens.
Frydenberg carries a fair amount of baggage after his disastrous stints in Environment & Energy and as Treasurer. He is also intensely disliked in some sections of his own party, let alone the electorate in general.
