Police have forwarded claims Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Attorney-General George Brandis misused their travel entitlements to the finance department.

Victorian Labor MP Rob Mitchell had asked police to urgently investigate, amid calls for an overhaul of the rules relating to parliamentarians' expenses.

In a letter to AFP commissioner Tony Negus, Mr Mitchell referred to Mr Abbott's claiming of expenses for attending the weddings of MPs Peter Slipper and Sophie Mirabella in 2006 and $9400 to promote his book Battlelines in 2009 - some of which the PM has since repaid.

Also on Mr Mitchell's list was almost $13,000 Mr Abbott claimed to attend the Birdsville Races in 2011, $3603 to volunteer as a truancy assistant in Aurukun and $1150 to take part in the 2012 Coffs Coast Cycle Challenge.

"The public has the right to expect that MPs not only abide by the rules of travel entitlements but also exercise common sense and prudence when making claims," Mr Mitchell wrote.

"Given the public importance of the matter, I ... request that the investigation be undertaken as a matter of urgency."

The AFP issued a statement saying it was not currently investigating the allegations and had forwarded the claims to the Department of Finance.

"The Department of Finance is responsible for the administration of entitlements for members of the Australian Parliament," the AFP said, confirming it had received a number of complaints from Mr Mitchell and the public about alleged misuse of MP's entitlements.

Mr Abbott told reporters last week he had repaid the money for the Slipper wedding "to avoid doubt". He has also repaid money claimed for promoting his book.

He said all MPs should be "careful and cautious" when claiming entitlements and when there was any doubt they should resolve it "in favour of the taxpayer".

Mr Abbott's office declined to comment, referring the matter to Special Minister of State Michael Ronaldson whose spokesman called it a "political stunt from a desperate Labor party".

"I trust that Rob Mitchell has also written letters to the federal police asking that they investigate Tony Burke, Julia Gillard, Anthony Albanese, Mark Dreyfus, Jacinta Collins, Senator Mark Bishop, Senator Don Farrell, Trish Crossin, and Kirstin Livermore."

Mr Mitchell wanted the AFP to investigate Senator Brandis for claims including $2200 for attending two weddings (since repaid by Senator Brandis) and $13,000 to develop a personal library.

Mr Mitchell did not mention other MPs although West Australian Liberal backbencher Don Randall has also been under scrutiny for $5000 in travel expenses for a trip to Cairns dubbed "electorate business" at a time when he was taking possession of an investment property in Queensland.

Mr Randall initially said his claim was within the rules but on Thursday sought urgent advice from Finance about the claim "due to the ongoing media scrutiny and public interest".

"The department informed me that it cannot provide definitive advice," Mr Randall said in a statement.

"Therefore, I will immediately issue a payment to the department to reimburse the entire costs incurred for that visit to ensure the right thing is done by the taxpayer and alleviate any ambiguity."

Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen said there appeared to be a "pattern of behaviour" relating to expense claims.

He said the opposition would support a review of the rules.

Liberal MP Kelly O'Dwyer said there were many grey areas which would not be eliminated by a rule change.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon plans to seek support for an inquiry into entitlements when parliament resumes on November 12.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten will unveil his shadow cabinet on Friday.

Anthony Albanese is expected to retain the transport portfolio, while Chris Bowen will be shadow treasurer.

There is speculation deputy leader Tanya Plibersek will take on foreign affairs, but others have suggested the post will go to former trade minister Richard Marles.

Tony Burke is set to be manager of opposition business, as well as hold a senior portfolio.