Treasurer Scott Morrison has played down reports the prime minister is set to assume the lead role in delivering the government's economic pitch in the run-up to the May budget.
The strategy is aimed at quelling backbench rumblings over concern the coalition is not making enough of its traditional advantage over Labor on economic management.
"The prime minister is always the chief economic spokesperson for the government, always has been, always should be," Mr Morrison told ABC radio on Friday.
Government sources have told the ABC Malcolm Turnbull intends making a series of keynote speeches in the weeks leading up to the May 9 budget.
"The prime minister is leading the country and there is no greater challenge that we face to ensure we that continue the prosperity we've known the last 26 years," Mr Morrison said.
When asked whether he was being sidelined, the treasurer said: "No, I don't believe so at all, why would I be?"
"We work on budgets together as we are now."
