Baird distances himself from Abbott govt

Premier Mike Baird has sought to distance himself from an under-siege Abbott government, insisting the NSW election will be run on state issues.

Only days after strongly backing Mr Abbott as a "mate" and a man not to be underestimated, the NSW premier is now stressing he is focused on his own state as he prepares for the March poll.

"There is no doubt the federal government and the prime minister are going through a difficult time, but my focus is on this state and looking after the people of this state," he said on Monday, shortly after the federal Liberal party room defeated a spill motion.

"NSW Labor want to fool people into thinking the election next month is about federal politics.

"That's because they don't want to talk about their track record or our track record, and have no plan for the future."

Mr Baird said he was pleased the federal government could now "get on with the job of looking after the people of this state and across the country".

State shadow treasurer Michael Daley was also quick to comment on the failed spill motion, claiming Mr Baird remained a "rusted on" supporter of Mr Abbott.

"And why wouldn't he? He believes in the same policies as Tony Abbott believes in," he told reporters.