Cr Jennings endured a tough introduction to federal politics last year when he was the failed Labor candidate for the seat of Calare.

And not only did he lose the vote to incumbent Nationals MP John Cobb, Mr Cobb actually managed to increase an already sizeable margin.

To be fair, Cr Jennings’ loss came as part of a national swing against Labor and should not be seen as a personal snub.

But the result made it clear that if Cr Jennings was to run again – as he has indicated he would like to – he must markedly increase his profile to have any chance of toppling Mr Cobb.

And that’s exactly what Cr Michael Coote believes Cr Jennings is doing when he puts forward notices of motion on issues such as the Racial Discrimination Act and coal seam gas, while also attacking council colleagues who might see the world a bit differently.

For his part, Cr Jennings says he would not be doing his job as a councillor if he did not pursue policy positions within the chamber – even if those policies relate to areas well outside council’s jurisdiction.

In reality, both men are probably right.

It’s hard to believe there’s not a bit of profile building going on behind Cr Jennings’ latest forays into public policy but, at the same time, he has every right to raise issues he believes are important.

But if politics is the art of compromise then Cr Jennings must find a way to work with his colleagues rather than being in constant dispute with them.

Because, if he can’t, then his place on council is a wasted position and his dream of a job in Canberra will remain just that – a dream.