Independent senator Nick Xenophon has apologised to the people of Australia for his former student Christopher Pyne, who he believes suffers from "premature exultation".

Mr Pyne on Friday declared on morning television the coalition had won the election - it's sixth victory out of eight in two decades - and was "an election-winning machine".

Mr Pyne was simply being "naturally optimistic and confident", according to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

But Senator Xenophon, who taught Mr Pyne at the University of South Australia 30 years ago, offered an alternative diagnosis.

"I think Christopher is suffering from a case of premature exultation," he said in Brisbane.

"I also need to apologise to the people of Australia ... I've obviously taught him everything he doesn't know.

"He obviously missed that lesson in humility."

Mr Xenophon addressed a national small business summit on its final day, telling guests there was no reason why the new parliament couldn't deliver political stability.