Opposition finance spokesman Andrew Robb says his former boss Malcolm Turnbull would be an important part of the coalition's team should they win power.
Mr Turnbull last month announced he would quit politics at this year's election, but on Saturday said he would recontest his seat of Wentworth.
Opposition leader Tony Abbott has welcomed the announcement praising Turnbull's star power, but has ruled out returning the former leader of the coalition to the frontbench before the election.
Liberal sources say the comeback has been partly inspired by Labor's backflip on the ETS and on a series of other promises like child care centres and roof insulation.
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Turnbull has a great intellect: Robb
Mr Robb said the former Liberal leader had a great intellect and would be an important part of a Liberal-Nationals government.
"Malcolm has recognised that we've now got an opportunity, in fact, we've got almost a responsibility to win office," he told the Nine Network on Sunday.
"He would be an important part of that team, if we get into government after the next election."
Mr Robb, who played a key role in events that saw Mr Turnbull ousted from the Liberal leadership, said he thought the two could work together again, despite their differences on climate change.
"When you come here, you've got to call it as you see it, especially on the big issues, I think, so we did have a disagreement on that," he said.
"I've got no doubt that we can work very strongly together."
