Labor frontbencher Jason Clare concedes Malcolm Turnbull is popular but says that might change when he actually does something.
He says the prime minister is enjoying a "real honeymoon" period, benefiting from the fact people wanted former Liberal leader Tony Abbott gone.
"He hasn't done anything yet, being prime minister requires you to make some tough decisions ... and reality will bite over the next few months leading up to the budget," Mr Clare told Sky News.
But Assistant Treasurer Kelly O'Dwyer says under Mr Turnbull there is a lot more "robust concession" in the new-look cabinet.
She says the government's approach reflects the style of newly-installed prime minister.
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"I think it's a self evident truth that it's reflective of the Turnbull government," she told ABC television.
The switch to Mr Turnbull has opened up a near 50-point gap over Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, but Mr Clare says people shouldn't underestimate him.
He said when people are in positions of power you see what they are really worth, noting that as a junior minister, Mr Shorten helped to create the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
"Tony Abbott is a good example of that, he was a very effective opposition leader, he was a less than impressive prime minister," Mr Clare said.
