He won't say whether an early election is on the cards but Malcolm Turnbull is well and truly in campaign mode.
The prime minister is using a three-day visit to South Australia to pitch his vision of an innovative future, meet steel workers in Whyalla and shore up support in key seats.
And on Wednesday, he made time for a campaign staple: posing for photos with boys and girls at a suburban Adelaide childcare centre.
Accompanied by local federal MP Matt Williams - who is battling to retain the marginal Liberal seat of Hindmarsh - a relaxed Mr Turnbull chatted at length with the children.
"Are you having fun in the sandpit?" he asked one group of youngsters.
"It's a bit scary, all the men and the women with the cameras."
The prime minister listened with interest as a worker discussed how Arlo, Flynn and Amelie were doing a good job of sharing their toys.
"Sharing and using manners. It'd be a good lesson in parliament," Social Services Minister Christian Porter chimed in.
The prime minister departed with a special gift presented by young Lachlan: a pine cone kangaroo and emu sculpture.
"I'm going to have that in my office," Mr Turnbull enthused, before bringing Lachlan in for a photo.
Speaking to reporters a short time later, the prime minister did little to discourage talk of a July election.
Instead he took the opportunity to repeat an election year pitch on the importance of moving beyond the mining boom to a more diverse economy.
"Confidence is high, investment is good, economic growth is strong," he said.
"We are making the successful transition, but we can't be complacent."
The prime minister will return to marginal Hindmarsh for a Politics in the Pub event on Wednesday evening before addressing a business lunch in Adelaide on Thursday.
