Labor seizes on 'war' in the coalition

Bill Shorten says both Malcolm Turnbull and Barnaby Joyce are not fit to hold their offices as the leaders exchange a war of words through the media.

Bill Shorten has hit out at a "war" between Malcolm Turnbull and his deputy Barnaby Joyce.

Mr Joyce on Friday criticised Mr Turnbull for his comments on his affair with a former staffer, labelling them harmful, inept and unnecessary.

"Quite frankly, the way these two men are behaving, neither of them are fit for the high office they currently hold," Mr Shorten told reporters in Melbourne, alongside his deputy Tanya Plibersek.