Treasurer Joe Hockey has defended Prime Minister Tony Abbott's low profile since the September election, saying his boss is "flat out" running the country.
During a Melbourne radio interview on Thursday Mr Hockey was quizzed about Mr Abbott's latest public appearance, in which he farewelled two adventurers heading to Antarctica on a charity trek.
But the prime minister did not make himself available to answer questions from the media.
"Given the last few years, I don't think the success or failure of a prime minister should be based on the number of media appearances they make," the treasurer told ABC radio.
What is Mr Abbott actually doing, Mr Hockey was asked.
"Well, he's ringing up his treasurer every day. We've spent all day Monday in cabinet meetings ... I can tell you he's been flat out.
"As prime minister you've got to run the country with your cabinet and that's what we're all doing. We've got our heads down and we're going through all the challenges," Mr Hockey said.
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