Credlin says Turnbull looks 'patrician'

Tony Abbott's former chief of staff says Malcolm Turnbull needs to put in more effort to show punters he wants the job of prime minister.

Tony Abbott's former chief of staff has warned Malcolm Turnbull needs to lift his game in the election campaign.

Peta Credlin says the prime minister needs to put in more effort.

She says the 12 or 13 interviews he has done during six weeks of campaigning are not credible.

"Punters want to see you fight to the wire," Ms Credlin told Sky News on Tuesday.

"He looks a bit patrician, that he's standing back - everybody else can campaign and I just expect you to vote for me."