Attorney-General George Brandis insists Malcolm Turnbull's new-look team is a "very different" government despite the former prime minister saying nothing much has changed.
"Never underestimate the importance of a change of leadership itself," Mr Brandis said.
Responding to Mr Abbott's declaration that there had been no policy changes, Senator Brandis told ABC television the eight new faces around the cabinet table proved it was a new government.
Senior Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese said despite all the calm on the surface, there was a lot of disquiet in the Liberal ranks and "the sharks will be circling".
"Malcolm Turnbull made a big mistake in promoting each and every one of the plotters, they all got a guernsey," he told Sky News.
Asked what was the major weakness for Mr Turnbull, Mr Albanese said: "His ego."
However, one Abbott backer Josh Frydenberg was promoted to cabinet as resource, energy and Northern Australia minister.
"It shows that he's inclusive," Mr Frydenberg told Network Ten.
He says he believes Mr Turnbull has made a very strong and confident start.
