Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says the Labor leadership is "at war with itself", as polls point to voter concern over Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
Only days before the federal budget was handed down, Ms Gillard revealed she was talking to the Malaysian government about an offshore immigration processing deal.
And three days after the budget the Gillard government released its population strategy.
Mr Abbott told reporters in Brisbane the government was "at war with itself" and sending mixed messages about its priorities.
"I really don't know what the prime minister was trying to do to the treasurer's budget by releasing... the swap-the-boats policy just a couple of days before the budget," Mr Abbott told reporters.
"I'd like to know whether the prime minister informed the treasurer and what kind of reaction she got from the treasurer because plainly the most important thing that any one government does in one year is to set out its blueprint, and (it)... was completely derailed.
"I think there's a lot of people inside the party today shaking their heads (at) the prime minister's judgment."
The comments came as two polls gave the Coalition an election-winning lead and Ms Gillard's dissatisfaction rating rose to a record 55 per cent, compared with 34 per cent satisfied. However, she still remains the preferred prime minister.
Labor strategist Bruce Hawker told AAP there was no suggestion within the party of a leadership change.
"The last thing the party could do is have another leader after the unhappiness over Kevin Rudd's removal," Mr Hawker said.
"My sense is people will be saying, we understand it's tough times, there's a hung parliament, but that should not slow the processes of government, and there's two years to go before an election, so let's get out there and campaign day and night on the big issues.
"The reality is we can't go around burning up our good leaders."
While some within the Labor Party want to see reform, in the wake of a review by three stalwarts - John Faulkner, Steve Bracks and Bob Carr - others are less keen. Communications Minister Stephen Conroy told ABC Radio the review was an "exercise in self-indulgence".
"The government has to be focused on the concerns of the Australian public, not staring at its navel," Senator Conroy said.
But Mr Hawker said Labor had to learn from its 2010 campaign and the Faulkner report contained a number of "sensible suggestions".
"We can't ignore the fact we had a very bad result," he said.
"Labor must present itself as a party of the centre."
