Jillian Skinner, who turns 70 this year, faces a nervous wait to hear if she will retain the health portfolio, amid a reshuffle and lobbying of new Premier Mike Baird.

As federal Treasurer Joe Hockey advocates raising the pension age to 70, supporters of Mrs Skinner are incensed the Health Minister, who was deputy leader for seven years, is being targeted by the hard right and younger Liberals in the left who want space cleared in cabinet for new faces.

During lobbying over the deputy premier ticket on Thursday demands were made of Mr Baird, but it is believed he did not promise anything.

On Saturday, he said he ''absolutely'' valued experience. ''You need a mixture of experience and youth,'' he said.

Supporters said Mrs Skinner had ''incredible energy'' in the traditionally difficult portfolio, and was determined to stay on because there was more she wanted to achieve. ''This is just about age. She has done an incredible job,'' one supporter said.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott took Liberal elder Philip Ruddock on the election campaign trail for wise counsel. Mr Ruddock, 71, is chief whip in the Abbott government, while Bronywn Bishop, 71 is speaker. Age has not deterred some of the world's most successful politicians. Hillary Clinton, tipped to run for US president in 2016, will be 69 if she wins. Ronald Reagan was 77 when he left the White House, while Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is 81. Mr Ruddock said Australia needed to rethink its attitudes to older workers.

''I don't think we have the same approach as in the US, where people are presidential candidates in their 70s. The US Vice-President is much older than I am,'' he said.

''In Australia … we have seen many organisations such as accounting and law where it was thought appropriate to move people on in their early 60s or even 55. My view is that is not a sensible approach, and eventually it will change, because we are an ageing society and need to utilise older people and all their skills.''

Speaking generally, Mr Ruddock said a mixture of old and young voices were needed in government cabinets. ''My view is you don't jettison all your experience, and you still need renewal,'' he said.

Mr Baird said his cabinet leadership style would be based on consultation. ''A good part of any leadership style is bringing people with you and empowering them in their roles,'' he said.

Adrian Piccoli has already been sworn in as Education Minister, and Mr Baird is expected to keep Treasury until the budget, when it is speculated Finance Minister Andrew Constance will take over. Stuart Ayres is also tipped for promotion.

George Souris, 63, juggles six portfolios and this workload may be split. Attorney General Greg Smith, 65, is tipped to be moved. Environment Minister Robyn Parker is also vulnerable, while Community Services Minister Pru Goward, who was previously an economist, may seek a move out of the families role.