Abbott intends to keep Hockey as treasurer

Tony Abbott intends keeping Joe Hockey as treasurer as long as he remains prime minister.

Mr Hockey was doing a fine job and continued to have cabinet's confidence, Mr Abbott told 2GB radio on Friday, following rumours the prime minister was being encouraged to dump him if the Liberals fared poorly in the Canning by-election.

Asked if Mr Hockey would always be the treasurer under a government he led, Mr Abbott replied, "That's certainly my intention."