in 2008, cinis was elected to leichhardt council at the nsw local government elections representing the eora leichhardt lilyfield ward. as a long-term resident and a veteran of the australian acting scene, cinis was appearing in the australian production of billy elliot the musical at the capitol theatre, sydney at the time of his election to council. he campaigned on a strong anti-crime platform, claiming: "i’ve been a victim of crime – my wife has been shot at, i’ve been bashed in the street and pinned down by local troublemakers. now i can do my bit to ask the right questions and improve safety... i’m keen to work with underprivileged kids from wrong side of the tracks, to get in there and make a difference."