Early budget day talk desperation: Bowen

Labor has seized on reports senior government members have been talking about a budget date earlier than May 10.

Bringing forward budget day to the first week of May would be a sign of desperation by the Turnbull government, Labor says.

The idea of an earlier than May 10 date has been floated among senior members of the Turnbull government, but not discussed by cabinet.

"It would be a sign of policy on the run and far from the methodical, collective government and sensible approach that (Prime Minister) Malcolm Turnbull promised," shadow treasurer Chris Bowen told Sky News on Monday.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann told the Senate the budget would be handed on the second Tuesday of May, as scheduled.