For anyone that has the chance to travel overseas, there are two things that hold true. The first is that you are reminded that we truly live in the best city in the world and the second is that nothing appears to change on return.

There is no better example of the latter than the renewed speculation about the leadership of the State Government. In a graphic reminder of the movie "Groundhog Day" it appears the ALP want to shuffle the deckchairs yet again.

It is hard to watch and whatever side of politics you sit there is a deep sense of despair that the State continues to go backwards while this distraction drags on. Even this week we have a potential disaster looming for State finances with Eric Roozendaal facing a battle to hang on to almost $2 billion in GST revenue.

I mean these are the issues the Government should be fighting for, not whether leadership contenders will cut a deal with Joe Tripodi to keep him in cabinet and deliver themselves the Premiership.

I know all sides of politics have moments of introspection but I guess I am pleading to the State ALP to get back to the job of looking after the State. It is too long to the next State election to merely put things on hold.

In stark contrast to the government's ongoing loss of perspective, it was inspiring on Monday to get an insight into the minds of the future leaders of this State. Twenty students from primary schools in the Manly area came to Parliament House for our inaugural Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition.

Each of the 8-11 year olds fearlessly stood where the Premier stands to share their thoughts. Some spoke about a place they love or a person they will never forget; others spoke about why everyone needs a dream, why racism is not funny or why you can't judge a book by its cover.

I say that every speech was heartfelt and showed with passion, that the next generation is already contributing to this great State. These primary school students were a good reminder that the priorities of this State spread well beyond the halls of Macquarie Street!

So for the sake of NSW and our idealistic younger generation, the government must return to the job at hand and give NSW a chance to win the battles that matter.

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