Australians feel more tasered than surprised by the Abbott government's first year in power.

That's the opinion of independent senator Nick Xenophon, who's accused the government of "sneaking up on people with quite radical changes" over the past 12 months.

Nick Xenophon. Credit:Andrew Meares

"The government promised no surprises," Senator Xenophon told ABC on the one-year anniversary of Tony Abbott's election as prime minister.

"I think some Australians feel more tasered than surprised by some of the changes."