Mr Turnbull needs some new momentum and Liberal sources have told AM Mr Turnbull is working on a broad frontbench reshuffle to announce over Parliament's winter break to help provide that.
With senior Liberals questioning his judgement last week, putting it down to his lack of experience, it is believed he is looking at bringing some of the hard heads in the party much closer to the frontline.
Those more seasoned operators mentioned - Andrew Robb, Tony Abbott and Tony Smith - have all served in backroom roles before they entered Parliament.
Mr Abbott had a good week last week, leading the tactics inside Parliament and defending Mr Turnbull on the outside.
Sources say MPs and staff have all noted how good his performance was.
It is understood he may get his wish to move closer to the action in what is tipped to be a more combative role.
Mr Smith, who is currently in a junior economic portfolio may also be asked to step up - a reversal of fortunes for him after he voted for Brendan Nelson when Mr Turnbull took the leadership.
After last week, Liberal sources say they looked lean by comparison to the ruthless political machine they were up against. ...<cont>
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The Opposition leader Malcolm Turnbull found sanctuary from last week's parliamentary beating - by going to Afghanistan.
It can now be revealed that Mr Turnbull left on Sunday night and spent a day and a half visiting Australian troops stationed in the southern Oruzgan Province. he toured Kandahar air base and the Tarin Kowt base where the troops are stationed.
The new Defence Minister, John Faulkner, visited Afghanistan last month.
) "Malcolm issue" over! 
