Speculation is mounting that Attorney-General Christian Porter and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds will lose out in an impending cabinet reshuffle.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is reportedly set to strip Mr Porter of his Attorney-General portfolio and shift Ms Reynolds from Defence as he responds to intense pressure over the cabinet ministers' future.
However, Mr Morrison has refused to be drawn on the speculation when questioned about the possible reshuffle.
"I'm not speculating on any of these decisions," he told ABC Radio.
"All I can say is that when I make decisions on these matters I will communicate them and my reasons for them."
The cloud over Mr Porter's future as Attorney-General comes as he strenuously denies a historical allegation of rape.
Mr Morrison has fuelled speculation by appearing to shift his language around his minister's future in the role.
He has received advice from the solicitor-general about direct conflicts of interest that might arise from Mr Porter pursuing legal action against the ABC over its reporting of the rape allegation.
Mr Morrison has also sought advice from his department in relation to the attorney-general and ministerial standards, as they relate to perceived conflicts of interest.
"I'm working through those issues with the attorney at the moment," Mr Morrison said.
"He's not returning to work for another week or so yet, and that will be done in time for his return."
Mr Porter has been on mental health leave since publicly naming himself as the cabinet minister at the centre of the rape allegation.
He has rejected claims that as a teenager, he raped a 16-year-old girl in 1988.
Acting Attorney-General Michaelia Cash is currently acting in his role and could be next in line for the job.
Ms Reynolds, meanwhile, has also faced sustained pressure over her handling of the separate rape allegation made by former political staffer Brittany Higgins.
This includes being forced to apologise to Ms Higgins for describing her as a "lying cow" in her office.
Candidates to replace Senator Reynolds could include Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton and Government Services Minister Stuart Robert.
Senator Reynolds went on leave a month ago to receive treatment for a pre-existing heart condition.
She is due to return to work on 2 April.
The cabinet reshuffle would be Morrison government's second in three months.
