Abbott defends clearing pension 'barnacle'

Prime Minister Tony Abbott has defended not acting sooner to drop unpopular plans to index the pension to inflation.

In a "barnacle-clearing" move welcomed by many, the 2014 budget measure has been scrapped in the face of significant pressure from lobby groups and a hostile Senate.

"We've listened, we've learned, we've acted - that's what sensible governments do," Mr Abbott told reporters in Launceston on Thursday, reiterating a mantra he adopted after surviving a leadership spill motion.