Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has taken aim at conservative critics in his own party and the media, telling Parliament he is not "the minister for right-wing communications."

Mr Turnbull has been criticised by conservative commentators, and some Liberal MPs, for appearing to criticise News Corporation chairman Rupert Murdoch and his publications in a Friday speech launching The Saturday Paper newspaper in Sydney. The Saturday Paper is being published by progressive property developer Morry Schwartz, who also publishes The Monthly.

Federal Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull in Parliament. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Mr Turnbull, a moderate, has previously angered conservative colleagues by voicing support for carbon pricing and same-sex marriage.

During the speech Mr Turnbull quipped to Mr Schwartz: "You are not some demented plutocrat pouring more and more money into a loss-making venture that is just going to peddle your opinions."