The Abbott government appears to have given up on the idea that cabinet is functioning "exceptionally well" - or at least, on telling its ministers this - according to a leaked copy of Friday's daily talking points.

In a clear sign of the ongoing disquiet within the Abbott government, for a third day in a row the government's "morning note" has been leaked to Fairfax Media.

The morning note is prepared in the Prime Minister's office and sent to ministerial media advisers to provide to their bosses to use when speaking on political issues of the day.

On Wednesday, following embarrassing cabinet leaks to The Guardian and the Seven Network about a threadbare cabinet agenda, ministers were instructed to say "in contrast to the experiences of Rudd and Gillard governments, our cabinet is functioning exceptionally well".