Economy, refugees on Turnbull agenda

As Malcolm Turnbull prepares to head to New York for talks on the economy and refugees, he says his first 12 months have been successful.

Malcolm Turnbull is preparing to head to New York for talks on the economy and refugees. (AAP)

Malcolm Turnbull will talk up his economic achievements and deliver a strong message about border protection when he meets world leaders in New York.

In a series of interviews to mark the anniversary of his becoming prime minister, Mr Turnbull spruiked Australia's 3.3 per cent economic growth rate and was positive about delivering on his election promises.

Following a week of parliament, the prime minister is heading to the United Nations where he will meet with other leaders including US President Barack Obama and attend a high-level summit on refugees and migrants.

Mr Turnbull told Fairfax Media it was important to have strong border protection policies if countries wanted to increase their humanitarian intake.

"If you want to have a generous humanitarian program ... you have got to be able to secure your borders . . . you've got to do that and maintain public confidence in your program," he said.

The prime minister said overseas trips, such as the recent series of summits in China, Laos and Micronesia, were important.

"When a PM travels abroad, you're there as the salesman, the spokesman for the nation, so it's very important to talk up what our achievements are, the strong economic growth we have here, the way we have made the transition from the mining construction boom," he said.

Addressing critics who have accused him of being a "fizzer" since coming to office with high expectations, Mr Turnbull said his government was delivering.

"Since I became prime minister, you've seen stronger economic growth, higher business confidence, higher investment. I got a report earlier today - very substantial increase in money coming in to venture capital funds."

The growth had come despite the global economy becoming "murkier".

Mr Turnbull, who is the wealthiest federal parliamentarian, told The West Australian he was keeping in touch with average voters.

"This is very important and the way I do that is ... talking to colleagues, meeting people socially, on public transport, for example -- I know people think that's one of my eccentricities but it's a good way to get out of the political bubble," he said.

The prime minister told the Australian Financial Review he was "quietly confident" the Senate will pass the two bills which triggered the double dissolution election - restoring the building industry watchdog and toughening penalties for union misconduct.

This would build on the budget repair measures supported by Labor and superannuation changes he was confident of delivering in amended form.

However, he won't be budging on the same-sex marriage plebiscite.

"Important issue though it is, it is absolutely not the top of my agenda in the way it is for some others," he said.

"We've provided a very fair means of resolving the issue on February 11.

"If the Labor Party wants to frustrate that, well, all that will mean is that the resolution of the same-sex marriage issue will be postponed potentially for a very long time."