Was it an uncomfortable question or a case of verbal gymnastics?

Either way, Prime Minister Tony Abbott has again brushed away questions about whether or not his office pushed for a request from Washington for Australia to conduct air strikes in Syria.

In an interview with the Nine Network's Today program on Thursday, host Lisa Wilkinson twice asked Mr Abbott if his office had any involvement in urging the United States to seek an expanded role for Australia in fighting Islamic State.

After the Prime Minister did not answer on the first occasion, Wilkinson tried again.