© Getty Scott Morrison. The Morrison government has rejected calls for politicians and public servants to take a pay cut as the country deals with the economic fallout of coronavirus.

The federal government has asked the Remuneration Tribunal to put a pay freeze in place for 12 months.

But a cut is not being contemplated.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said salaries made up a tiny percentage of the federal budget, however, he would consider changes if necessary.

'I know people are taking a hard hit every day in their businesses,' he told Sydney radio 2GB on Friday.

'But I don't think it's actually helpful in a crisis to start having people turn on each other about who's getting what.'

A number of Australian workers have agreed with their employers to take cuts of around 10 per cent of their wages during the crisis, while others have lost their jobs.

© Getty Scott Morrison. But Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said a pay cut for politicians and bureaucrats wouldn't make much of a difference.

'I think MPs and public servants are working very hard right now,' Senator Cormann told Sky News.

'I'm not sure how this sort of suggestion would help - in the context of the budget challenge it's essentially at the margin.'

Liberal senator Eric Abetz, who froze politicians' pay when he served former prime minister Tony Abbott in 2015, a cut should be considered.

'Without being prescriptive, the government will need to tighten its belts and consider its priorities,' he said.

NSW Liberal MP Jason Falinski also said a pay cut would remain a live issue, but noted that many MPs were working longer hours to help constituents hit by the coronavirus pandemic.