PM sidesteps on cabinet return for Abbott

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has side-stepped questions about the prospects of Tony Abbott returning to the frontbench.

Malcolm Turnbull has emphasised the importance of cabinet renewal while batting away questions about the prospects of Tony Abbott's return to the frontbench.

It had been important to bring "some new younger faces" and more women into cabinet, the prime minister told Radio 3AW on Friday.

Asked if there was any chance of Jamie Briggs returning to the ministry despite his resignation over inappropriate behaviour, Mr Turnbull replied: "He's a young man. Time will tell".