"I think we've got to all get to get together as one, we've got to go to the election unified there will be an election this year. Quite obviously honeymoons don't go on forever," he told 2GB.

He then suggested it was in the media's interest to make Labor look competitive.

"Ultimately the press want a competition, it's in their interest. The press have a role and responsibility to be the critical arbitrators of the forth estate and that's precisely what they do," he said.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was asked what her advice was to colleagues who leaked information from the National Security Committee. She said: "it's a criminal offence".

Turnbull and Abbott last night. No need for a body language expert. pic.twitter.com/rtBHPo0igO — Adam Todd (@_AdamTodd) March 3, 2016

Treasurer Scott Morrison said he believed Mr Abbott when he said he was not responsible for the leak, but it was dangerous that people were "playing politics" with NSC documents.

"Of course I take Tony Abbott on his word on that.

"Playing politics with national security I think is a very, very dangerous and disappointing thing to have occurred but it is, I think, very reassuring that the Prime Minister has risen above, as he does on these things, and is ensuring the integrity of the process," he said.

Former Abbott government Defence Minister David Johnston said, unlike Mr Abbott, he was not "flabbergasted" by the submarine timeframe.

"No, I wasn't because I understand what's involved," he told Sky News.