Budget about political realities: Turnbull

Cabinet minister Malcolm Turnbull says every budget has to be economically and politically responsible.

Malcolm Turnbull says every budget must be economically and politically responsible. (AAP)

Malcolm Turnbull has defended the Abbott government's second budget from criticism it is an election ploy.

"Every budget has to be economically responsible ... and we've got to take into account political realities," the communications minister told Sky News on Thursday, citing the government's lack of numbers in the Senate.

"This is a budget designed to grow the economy."