Nearly half of all Liberal MPs in the federal parliament are former political staffers, party officials or government advisers, a steep increase since before the last election.

Analysis by Fairfax Media shows 49 per cent of Liberal MPs have worked in state and federal politics before being elected, up from 36 per cent in the 44th Parliament.

Political class: 42 per cent of Malcolm Turnbull's cabinet ministers have been employed as political staffers and party officials. Credit:Andrew Meares

Inside the Labor caucus, 55 per cent of MPs have previously worked as staffers, electorate officers or advisers before being elected, while 40 per cent have previously worked in roles within the trade union movement.

Before 2016 election, 42 per cent of cabinet ministers had been employed as staffers and party officials. In the current Turnbull government cabinet, that number has risen to more than 50 per cent.