Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is expected to avoid a major reshuffle of his frontbench team after Sussan Ley's resignation, amid speculation Arthur Sinodinos is poised to take on the health portfolio permanently.
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Mr Turnbull will consult with colleagues on Sunday before announcing Ms Ley's replacement in the coming days.
But sources close to the PM say he does not have any appetite for major changes just six months on from the election.
A number of insiders believe Senator Sinodinos is the frontrunner for the role. The cabinet secretary – and former chief of staff to former prime minister John Howard – has been filling in for Ms Ley in the critical portfolio since she stepped aside last Monday amid public fury over her travel expenses.
"He's a good advocate and he's got a good brain. He could do that job very easily and effectively," said one cabinet minister.
Senator Sinodinos is said to want to return to the frontline of politics after being sidelined in 2014 when he was caught up in a NSW corruption inquiry. He has since been cleared of misconduct.
The senator was a key figure in swinging party room support behind Mr Turnbull before he took over from Tony Abbott in 2015.
"Arthur has been Malcolm's rock so he'd be a game man to say no to him if he wants the job," one Coalition source said.
But there are some concerns that while Senator Sinodinos has an excellent mind for policymaking, he may not be a good enough salesman in a portfolio that proved a key vulnerability for the Coalition last year. There are also concerns he is in the upper rather than lower house.
Promoting Senator Sinodinos is seen as the easiest way to avoid knock-on changes in the ministry.
However he could also shift another cabinet minister into the role – with names mentioned including Josh Frydenberg and Nationals deputy Fiona Nash, who formerly had responsibility for rural health.
But Nationals sources say that's a long shot because the Liberals will not want to give up such a major portfolio.
Mr Turnbull may also feel pressure to promote another woman into Cabinet with Ms Ley's departure but there are not many in the Coalition with the necessary experience to take on a portfolio as big as health.
It's understood Mr Turnbull is unlikely to be swayed by conservative entreaties to restore Tony Abbott to the frontbench.
Mr Abbott declined to comment on Saturday, as did his key conservative lieutenant, Senator Eric Abetz.
