Cabinet focus on jobs, trade deal

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has praised Trade Minister Andrew Robb for his work closing a trade deal between 12 Pacific nations.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has reaffirmed his government's focus on jobs and economic growth at a cabinet meeting in Melbourne.

Mr Turnbull praised absentee Trade Minister Andrew Robb, who overnight in Atlanta finalised the Trans-Pacific Partnership with 12 nations, including the United States.

The free trade deal would be the "foundation for Australia's future prosperity", the prime minister said at the meeting.